Sligo GAA have paid tribute to Colm Mullarkey, who has been described as 'an inspiration to generations of youth' in the county.
Colm managed Sligo to the Connacht Minor Football Championship in 1968 and was involved with school football for decades.
Sligo GAA wrote online: "On behalf of the GAA community of Sligo we are saddened to hear of the passing of Colm Mullarkey.
READ MORE: Tributes paid following death of All-Ireland finalist's father and "pure gentleman"
"Colm was a leader and an inspiration to generations of the youth of Sligo and South Sligo in particular. He was the engine behind Vocational school football for decades and he will go down in Sligo GAA history as the manager of our 1968 Connacht minor football championship winning team.
"It took 53 years before Sligo managed to repeat that victory and one of the final calls that 2021 Minor team manager Paul Henry and his colleague Colm McGee made before they took the 2021 Sligo minors to the All Ireland semi final in August that year was to visit Colm at his home.
"Our condolences to Colm's wife Maura, his sons Damian and Declan, daughters Martha and Sylvia, his extended family, former colleagues, neighbours and friends and the community of Tubbercurry GAA Club."
A number of Sligo GAA fans also paid tribute to Colm, with one writing: "Very sad news. One of Sligo's greats. Deepest sympathies to all the Mullarkey Family. May you Rest in Eternal Peace Colm."
Another comment read: "Rip Colm......a lovely man and a great woodwork teacher."
Someone else said: "Lord rest his soul a true gentleman. I had the pleasure to be in his class in Ballymote Corran College. Sympathy to his family."
READ NEXT:
Paudie Clifford's speech labelled 'horrible' and 'embarrassing' but not everyone agrees
Davy Russell partners first winner since returning to action
Youth World Cup winner and former Chelsea player on trial with Shamrock Rovers
New JP McManus purchase made favourite for Cheltenham race after win
Punter cashes out small stake bet for €32,000 but could have won €135,000
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
