'Pioneering figure' in GAA - Jarlath Burns tribute to Liam O'Neill

The pioneering role of Liam O’Neill during his time as GAA President has been praised by the association’s current Uachtarán Jarlath Burns in an official statement from Croke Park on the Laois man’s passing.

The Armagh man has offered his condolences and those of the Association to the family of former President and Trumera man who has passed away on August 4 after an illness.

A statement GAA HQ said that as the 37th Uachtarán, the Laois native led the organisation between 2012 and 2015 after serving club, county and province with distinction over the course of a long administrative GAA career.

The current GAA President spoke on behalf of the Association.

"It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Liam after his recent battle with illness. 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.

"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.

"His grá for education, especially through the medium of Irish in Trumera, complemented his passion for our games and culture and his contribution to the GAA in so many guises was hugely significant.

"At this time, we think of his wife Áine, children Caoimhe, Ciarán and Clíodhna and extend our sympathies to his wider family and circle of friends and admirers,” concluded the statement.

Before serving as GAA president, Mr O’Neill served as Chairman of the Leinster Council, Laois GAA County Secretary, as well as serving in several roles with his club Trumera.

He was also a driving force behind the setting up of the now nationwide Cumann na mBunscol primary school competitions.