The GAA world, and no doubt many beyond it, are in mourning following the shock death of Liam Kearns on Sunday.
The 61-year-old, manager of the Offaly senior footballers at the time of his passing, was a Kerry native.
"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," said Offaly GAA in a statement.
"Liam was, of course, an experienced and successful inter-county and club manager and Offaly had quickly benefited from his thorough and meticulous approach to the role.
"Offaly GAA extend deepest sympathies to his wife Angela, daughters Rachel and Laura, and other members of his family."
Simply devastated, we were just starting out on our “big” plans for @Offaly_GAA . 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  pic.twitter.com/M5NGvTgYb6
— Michael Duignan (@DuignanMichael) March 12, 2023
Kerry GAA described Kearns as a "GAA great, and a proud Austin Stacks man". He won an All-Ireland minor title with the Kingdom in 1980, and was a panellist when Kerry won the 1986 All-Ireland title.
The former Garda sergeant also managed Limerick, Tipperary, and Laois at inter-county level.
During six years in charge of Limerick, he led the county to Munster finals in 2003 and 2004. Kearns also guided the Limerick U21s to the 2000 All-Ireland final against Tyrone.
Tipperary GAA tweeted on Sunday that "Liam’s contribution to football in our county was immense."
21 August 2016; Tipperary manager Liam Kearns in a huddle with his players after the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final game between Mayo and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
In 2016, his first of four years as Tipperary manager, he led the county to an All-Ireland semi-final where they lost to Mayo. That year saw Kearns's side defeat Cork, Derry, and Galway in the Championship.
"I was very lucky and fortunate to get to meet him when he was across from me managing Tipp at the same time [I was Tipperary hurling manager]," Liam Sheedy told RTÉ Allianz League Sunday.
"We got to spend a few days in America together, days I'll always remember. He was great fun, a smashing fella who loved the game and gave so much to the GAA."
The officers of Tipperary GAA & 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.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/3OdeAITRKN— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) March 12, 2023
Very sad to hear about Liam Kearns who has passed away. The time he was in charge of Tipp football he was a pure gentleman & gave us great memories. He always had time for a photograph & a chat after the games not forgetting the passion & love he had for the game too!! #GAA #RIP pic.twitter.com/s1Ly4UNpSQ
— Kevin Hanly (@kevinhanly32) March 12, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kerins family and @Offaly_GAA tonight on the sudden passing of Liam. Brilliant Gaa man who put his life into it. Taken too soon. 🙏💔💔💔
— Padraic Joyce (@Padraic14) March 12, 2023
