A great emptiness descended upon the playing fields of Westmeath as news on Friday, November 4th, 2005 dulled all Westmeath Gaels and G.A.A. folk from further a field - Adrian lost his brave battle with illness. In the aftermath of the historic Christy Ring success on August 14th, journalist Liam Horan, writing in an Irish Examiner article, alluded to remembering Adrian on Westmeath's finest ever day in hurling by paying tribute to Úachtarán, Sean Kelly's humanity and dignity during the presentation of the Christy Ring Cup, adding that 'Adrian is Westmeath to the backbone. The cameras cut to Adrian, who had tears streaming down his face. He clenched his fist for the presentation of the cup. We knew then if ever we doubted it, that the Christy Ring Cup is here to stay'. In expressing appreciation to Adrian on his invaluable and significant contribution to refereeing, it is not possible to summarise a million and one chores in this short tribute. Adrian represented Westmeath with distinction as an inter-county referee while his presence in Cusack Park on match days has been recalled by many referees who received a warm and courteous welcome. This contributor was motivated by Adrian's words of encouragement on the day prior to the county final and indebted to him, on his kind words in the referee's room at the conclusion of the game. A dedication to Adrian is taken from some very appropriate lines of The Hurler's Prayer, by Séamus Redmond: No matter what way the game may go, May I rest in friendship with every foe. When the final whistle for me has blown, And I stand at last before God's judgement throne, May the great referee when He calls my name Say, You hurled like a man; you played the game. On behalf of all Westmeath referees, national referees and umpires, deepest and heartfelt sympathy is extended to Adrian's wife, Patsy, daughters Laura and Susan, sons Derek, Colin, Paul and Enda and to all relatives and a circle of many friends. As evidenced with a phenomenal outpouring of sympathy since Adrian's passing on to his eternal reward, is also an apt testimony to the popularity of a loyal, diligent, cordial and honest friend. The Great Referee has called one of our great referees home. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. James McGrath. Tweet

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