A sports all-rounder in his younger days, George is best remembered for being a member of the Roscommon team that lost the 1962 All-Ireland final to Kerry. He lined out at right half forward on that famous occasion. Renowned for his high fielding, he also played for Connacht on a number of occasions and won a Railway Cup medal with the western province in 1958.

Having enjoyed success with clubs in Dublin, Mayo and Roscommon, the Ballintubber native won a Westmeath SFC medal with his adopted Athlone in 1973. His sons Shane - who played for Westmeath during Mattie Kerrigan's reign - and David would later emulate him by winning the Flanagan Cup with the Shannonsiders in 1991 and '98.

In 1978, George came out of retirement at the age of 40 to win a Roscommon IFC medal with his beloved St. Croan's. He also won numerous honours in athletics and rugby.

Aged 75, George passed away after a lengthy illness in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe on February 4 last. Members of Athlone GAA club, former Roscommon team-mates and his old work colleagues in Roadstone formed a guard of honour at his Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Athlone. He was laid to rest in St. Coman's Cemetery in Co. Roscommon.