Former GAA president O'Neill passes away

Former Gaelic Athletic Association president Liam O'Neill has passed away at the age of 70.

The Laois native who was from the Trumera club led the GAA from 2012 until 2015.

The 37th president of the association, his term is perhaps best remembered for the introduction of the black card and, in 2014, the first games shown on a pay-per-view channel.

O'Neill, who also worked as a primary school headmaster in his native county, told GAA Congress at the conclusion of his presidency that he had first thought of the role as an eight-year-old and that his tenure had been living a dream.

A statement issued by Laois GAA said they had learned of the passing of "one of their greatest servants with profound sadness".

"A proud Laois man, Liam devoted a lifetime to the promotion and development of Gaelic games at club, county, provincial and national level".

"His remarkable journey of service culminated in his election as the 37th president of the GAA, where his leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to our Association left an enduring legacy.

"While Liam's contribution to the GAA was recognised throughout Ireland and beyond, he remained deeply proud of his roots in Trumera."

Current GAA president Jarlath Burns expressed "great sadness" on behalf of the organisation.

"His wit and wisdom were hallmarks of his Presidency, which in many ways was a precursor to the conversations which are commonplace today around integration and inclusion," said Burns.

"At county level, Liam had been a pioneering figure in the adoption of technology to enhance the governance and organisation of our games and it was on his watch that the Association first embraced the use of Hawkeye and the deployment of the black card, via the Football Review Committee, which he established."