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Later Life and Death
Frank Dineen’s athletic career came to a sudden end due to ill health. However, this did not stop him from pursuing his love for GAA and sport. Upon Dineen’s retirement, his passion for sport led him to become more involved in GAA, becoming an athletic referee. He refereed many important matches in Irish athletics and at that time many individuals considered him to be the most capable official in the country. Dineen had a keen interest in all aspects of the GAA, however, he had a particular interest in juvenile athletics. He is believed to have given all his well-deserved awards away at the local sports. Dineen moved to Dublin in the late 1890s, where he became a sports journalist. He was particularly famous for his role in newspapers such as the ‘Freeman’s Journal’, ‘Telegraph’ and ‘Sport'. In 1906, Dineen released the first ever ‘Irish Athletic Record’ in the country, containing Irish, British and American records. Dineen had wished to produce another publication containing information on all great athletes of his time but unfortunately didn't live to see the day.

In 1908, Dineen bought a fourteen acre racecourse worth 3,250 pounds, with the idea of the GAA in mind. Improvements such as relaying the entire pitch took place after his purchase to cater for the Gaelic games and athletics. These improvements were financed by Dineen, however in 1910, he underwent financial difficulties and as a result sold four acres of the land to the Jesuits of Belvedere College, Dublin. Dineen sold the playing field to the GAA in 1913 for 3,500 pounds. Eleven years later, in 1924, the ground was transformed into a major stadium, currently known as Croke Park. Located in the heart of Dublin, this stadium still accommodates for major GAA events.

Dineen died suddenly on April 18th 1916, aged 54, exactly one week before The 1916 Easter Rising. He died due to a cerebral haemorrhage and was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery, County Dublin. Dineen’s grave can be located specifically in the St. Pauls section of Glasnevin Cemetery across the Finglas Road at plot number EC30. His headstone is written through the Irish language and states the years he served as President and Secretary of the GAA.