Tributes have poured in following the death of a Tipperary native who sadly passed away after falling ill while refereeing a GAA match in Watford on Saturday.
Mattie Maher, a well-respected figure in London GAA circles, died while on route to hospital for treatment after becoming unwell during a provincial match.
In a statement, London GAA paid tribute to the “larger than life character” and father of two.
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It said: “London GAA is extremely saddened to report the absolutely awful news that referee Mattie Maher passed away earlier this evening.
“He had been reffing a provincial match in Watford when he took ill, but passed away en route to the hospital.
“Mattie, a prominent referee in the county and known to all involved in any way with GAA in London, was a larger than life character.
“He had refereed numerous county finals in recent years, a clear indication of how valued he was and had become a popular figure among players and spectators alike.
“Mattie was also an esteemed club delegate at county board meetings, and frequently contributed to varied discussion on important GAA matters... often wrapping things up with a witty, tongue-in-cheek remark.
“But above all the Tipperary native was a family man, who often had his two beloved children alongside him on his way into the grounds for matches. It is them and his wife Denise that the board wish to pass on their most heartfelt condolences to at this desperately sad time.
“Due to this tragedy and as a mark of respect to Mattie, all London GAA fixtures are called off this weekend.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”.
Others who knew Mattie also sent their condolences to his family.
British Camogie said in a statement: “Britain Camogie is extremely saddened to hear the news that referee Mattie Maher passed away yesterday evening.
“Mattie was a prominent referee in the county and known to all involved in any way with GAA in london
“We would like to send our deepest sympathies to Mattie’s wife Denise and his children at this desperately sad time
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”.
Another person wrote: “Truly sadden to hear a man I was proud to call a friend Mattie Maher has passed away , I first met Mattie in 2011 where we both worked together at Kingscross station My thoughts & prayers go his wife Denise & children.”
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