Former GAA President Liam O'Neill has passed away following a recent illness.

The Laois native served as the Association's 37th Uachtarán from 2012 to 2015, having previously given distinguished service to his club, county and province over a long administrative career.

Paying tribute, GAA President Jarlath Burns said O'Neill's leadership left a lasting impact on the Association.

"It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Liam after his recent battle with illness," said Burns.

"His wit and wisdom were hallmarks of his Presidency, which in many ways was a precursor to the conversations which are commonplace today around integration and inclusion."

Burns also highlighted O'Neill's role in modernising the administration of Gaelic Games during his time with Laois GAA and as President.

"At county level, Liam had been a pioneering figure in the adoption of technology to enhance the governance and organisation of our games and it was on his watch that the Association first embraced the use of Hawk-Eye and the deployment of the black card, via the Football Review Committee, which he established."

O'Neill was also recognised for his lifelong commitment to education and the Irish language.

"His grá for education, especially through the medium of Irish in Trumera, complemented his passion for our games and culture and his contribution to the GAA in so many guises was hugely significant," Burns added.

The GAA President extended the sympathies of the Association to O'Neill's family.

"At this time, we think of his wife Áine, children Caoimhe, Ciarán and Clíodhna, and extend our sympathies to his wider family and circle of friends and admirers."

Liam O'Neill will be remembered as one of the Association's most influential administrators, whose presidency oversaw significant developments in the governance of Gaelic Games and whose contribution to the GAA spanned decades of dedicated service.

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