Clare teams to feature in memorial tournament to remember football manager Liam Kearns

THE LIMERICK garda division has launched a gaelic football tournament in memory of members who have passed, in particular Liam Kearns who managed a number of county teams..

Members of An Garda Síochána from the Limerick garda division gathered on the Bishop’s Quay boardwalk to launch the upcoming tournament, be held in Mungret GAA grounds, Limerick on October 12.

The tournament also marks the 30th anniversary of the Limerick Garda Club.

Organiser of the event and member of the Limerick garda division Cathal O’Gorman said teams from the event will come from each division in the southern region, from Laois/Offaly and from the Garda College in Templemore.

“It’s a memorial tournament for the club and to just memorise our colleague Liam Kearns who passed away earlier this year,” Mr O’Gorman said.

“It's an event to mark the passing of Liam and the Limerick Garda Sports and Social Club was founded 30 years this year so we have married the two events together and we are running a blitz.

“Liam played a very crucial role in this division. He was the training sergeant in this division for a number of years and he was also heavily involved in GAA in a number of counties throughout the country,” he added.

Mr Kearns, a native of Tralee, died following a sudden illness in March, earlier this year at the age of 60. He lived with his family in Clonlara.

He was based in Limerick having served at Mayorstone garda station in Limerick city and he was primarily involved in training gardai until his retirement.

The former Austin Stacks clubman won an All-Ireland minor title with Kerry in 1980 and also played with Kerry at U21 and senior level.

He managed Limerick, Laois, Tipperary and Offaly.