A London GAA referee passed away yesterday after taking ill during a provincial football match.

Tipperary native Mattie Maher, who was a well-known and prominent figure in London GAA circles, was refereeing the All-Ireland Britain junior championship match between Hertfordshire and Lancashire at Radlett Road in Watford when he suddenly became unwell.

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.

(Ctd.) pic.twitter.com/wfHoy6N2Hf

— Official London GAA (@LondainGAA) April 23, 2022

"He had been reffing a provincial match in Watford when he took ill, but passed away en route to the hospital," a statement by London GAA reads.

The popular referee was described as "a larger than life character" and "a family man".

"He 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," London GAA continued.

"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."

As a mark of respect to the Maher family, all remaining London GAA matches this weekend have been postponed.

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