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Paddy Tierney

Liam Kearns tributes paid as GAA mourn sudden death of inter-county manager

Tributes have poured in following the news of the sudden death of Liam Kearns on Sunday evening.

Kearns, 60, was taking a training session with Offaly on Sunday morning, but felt unwell later in the day.

The Kerry native took over as Offaly boss from John Maughan at the end of last year and the Faithful remain in contention for promotion from Division Three with three wins from their first five games.

Read more: GAA world in shock at sudden death of senior county football manager

Kearns had also previously managed Limerick, Laois and Tipperary, guiding the Premier County to an All-Ireland SFC semi-final appearance in 2016, losing out to Mayo.

In a statement, Offaly GAA said it was "devastated to learn of the sudden passing this evening of our senior football manager, Liam Kearns".

"In his short period of time as manager of the senior footballers, Liam made a hugely positive impact and he was extremely well respected by everyone associated with Offaly GAA.

"Offaly GAA extend deepest sympathies to his wife Angela and daughters Rachel & Laura. May he rest in peace."

Offaly senior footballers are due to face Tipperary in Semple Stadium on Saturday at 6pm, but it remains to be seen if that game will now go ahead.

Offaly chairman and leading GAA pundit Michael Duigan tweeted: “Simply devastated, we were just starting out on our “big” plans for Offaly. A straight talker, a leader and a gentleman. We never got to have that pint. . . Our thoughts are with Angela and the girls. RIP Liam.”

Kerry GAA said it was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Liam Kearns”.

“A GAA great, and a proud Austin Stacks man, Liam represented Kerry at Minor - where he won an All Ireland Medal in 1980, U21 and Senior level - wearing the green and gold as a panellist in the 1986 All-Ireland winning squad.

“More recently Liam has experienced success in a managerial role, with Limerick GAA, Tipperary GAA and Laois GAA and currently as Bainisteoir with Offaly GAA.

Sympathies to his wife Angela, daughters Rachel and Laura and all their family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.”

Tipperary GAA added: “The officers of Tipperary GAA and Tipperary Football Committee would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the family of Liam Kearns on the sad news of his untimely passing today, Liam’s contribution to football in our county was immense.”

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