All-Ireland hurling final referee Barry Kelly is mourning the death of his wife Catherine after a brief illness.

Aged just 41, Catherine was a quiet and unassuming person who was a popular member of the teaching staff at St. Mary's National School in Mullingar. She was also a member of the Cathedral Choir in the Westmeath county town. Just three years ago, Catherine and Barry celebrated the birth of their twin boys, Manus and Theo.

Catherine's funeral is expected to take place in Mullingar on Sunday - the same day as the All-Ireland hurling final which Barry has refereed on three occasions, including last year's drawn decider between Kilkenny and Galway. A minute's silence is likely to be observed as a mark of respect before the Cork v Clare final.

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