Dunne, John (‘Tull’) (1911–90), Gaelic footballer, coach, and administrator, was born 26 December 1911 in Brackernagh, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, the son of William Dunne, carpenter, and his wife, Katie, née Donelan. He was educated in the local Christian Brothers’ school before getting a job in the post office in Ballinasloe.
The local St Grellan's GAA club was very successful as he was growing up, providing the early focus for his football ambitions. An inspirational motivator and leader on the field, he played both in midfield and as centre-forward throughout his career. He was on the Ballinasloe team that won the county championship in 1929, giving him an exposure that was rewarded with a place on the Galway county junior team which won an all-Ireland final in 1930. The prominent role he played in this success led to senior recognition in 1932. He was a member of the team beaten by Cavan in the all-Ireland final of 1933, but which returned the following year to defeat Dublin in the final, a match in which he played a central role. In 1938 he captained Galway to all-Ireland success over Kerry after a replay, but suffered further all-Ireland disappointments in 1940, as captain, and in 1941. He won Railway cup medals with Connacht in 1934, 1937 and 1938.
Having finished his playing career Dunne became a very successful coach. He guided the Galway minors to three all-Ireland successes in 1952, 1960, and 1970; the juniors to success in 1958; and, most notably, the famous Galway three-in-a-row winning side in 1964–6, of which his son Cyril was a member. He was also involved with the 1956 all-Ireland winning side. A lifelong servant of the GAA, he became involved in the administration of the games while still a player; he was appointed secretary of the Galway football board in 1938, a position he held until 1981. He served on the Connacht council from 1945 to the late 1950s, and was Galway's central council delegate from 1971 until 1988. He also refereed the 1945 all-Ireland final between Cork and Cavan. In 1984 he received due recognition for his service to Gaelic games when President Patrick Hillery presented him with an all-time all-star award. His wife's name was Rosaleen; they had four children. On 12 May 1990 he died in Ballinasloe.