The late Liam Terrett Laois GAA was stunned with the news that Liam Terrett, the well known and liked referee in the county had died, aged 53, after a short illness. Originally from Tierhoger Cross just outside Portarlington where his parents ran a shop, Liam lived in 190 Arlington Estate, Portarlington until his death in Tallaght Hospital. Liam was almost a lfetime - well over 20 years - in refereeing and officiated at all grades of Laois football including senior. He was particularly prominent in the Ladies' game and refereed at inter-county level. An indication of his dedication to the job was that he trained with the O'Dempsey's senior team under Leo Turley earlier this year to keep fit as well as taking part in the Laois referee's group sessions in Stradbally. He was particularly obliging to local clubs for challenge matches and it was widely remarked that he would do any game, anywhere for anyone. He had a great manner when doing juvenile games as he implemented the rules of the game to the stars of tomorrow. Liam was also involved in the St. Conleth's Ladies' club where his daughter Catherine is a member and was a steward at many of the big games in Croke Park and O'Moore Park. Remembered as a very loyal club man he played under-age and Junior football with O'Dempsey's and later represented the club diligently as a referee. Always involved in some capacity with O'Dempsey's he was an extremely hard worker - selling tickets and raising funds up until recently. As sympathies flooded in from around the county, Liam was remembered as a very kind and pleasant man by his neighbours and friends. There was a minute's silence as a mark of respect to him at games in the county over the weekend while a number of games were postponed. His removal took place from Maher's Chapel of Rest to St. John's Church, Killenard. The burial took place in the adjoining cemetery after 12 noon mass. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret, daughter Catherine, son David, brothers Michael, Seamus, Joseph and Patrick, sisters, Mary, Janie and Anne, brothers in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. Steven Miller Courtesy of the Leinster Express October 2004 Tweet

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