Tributes have been flowing in for Offaly football manager Liam Kearns whose sudden death last evening shocked the GAA world.

A native of Tralee but living in Killaloe, Co. Clare for many years, Kearns was one of Gaelic football's most respected managers, having had spells in charge of Limerick, Laois, Tipperary and the Faithful County over the past two decades.

Speaking on Allianz League Sunday last night, Liam Sheedy - who managed the Tipperary hurlers at the same time as Kearns was in charge of the footballers - said: “It’s really tough. It’s a huge blow to the GAA family,

“A huge blow to everyone, especially Liam’s close family and friends. He gave a lifetime service to the GAA, both as a player and a manager. His contribution has been incredible really. 

"I was very lucky and fortunate to get to meet him when he was across from me managing Tipp at the same time. We got to spend a few days together in America, days I will always remember. He was great fun and a smashing fella who loved the game and gave so much to the GAA. My thoughts are with Angela and all of the family.”

Galway manager Padraic Joyce was among those who took to social media last night to offer their condolences to the Kearns family, describing the 61-year-old as a "brilliant GAA man who put his life into it."

 

My thoughts and prayers are with the Kerins family and @Offaly_GAA tonight on the sudden passing of Liam. Brilliant Gaa man who put his life into it. Taken too soon. 🙏💔💔💔

— Padraic Joyce (@Padraic14) March 12, 2023

Just landed after a great 24 hours in Edinburgh and hear the awful sad news of the passing of Liam Kearns. May he rest in peace.

— Leo Turley (@LeoTurley) March 12, 2023

Offaly GAA is devastated to learn of the sudden passing this evening (Sun., 12th March) of our senior football manager, Liam Kearns, R.I.P.

We extend deepest sympathies to Liam's wife Angela, daughters Rachel and Laura & all other members of his family.https://t.co/juvzRMxG4q pic.twitter.com/RiDZyP6ku6

— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) March 12, 2023

I’ll never forget the pride and emotion in Croke Park when we beat Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-final. I took this photograph just after we beat Cavan in 2017. You can see the joy he got from that win. Thanks for the memories #LiamKearns pic.twitter.com/glKIOmXVUL

— Enda O'Sullivan (@Enda_OSullivan) March 12, 2023

Very sad news that Offaly football manager, Liam Kearns has suddenly
passed away. Thoughts and prayers are with are with Liam’s wife, Angela and his daughters Rachel and Laura.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam 💔 pic.twitter.com/6KaDB0TO9a

— Dublin GAA Fans (@DubsGAAFans) March 12, 2023

It was with great shock that we learned last night of the sudden death of Offaly Senior Football manager Liam Kearns.

Coiste na Mí C.L.G. extend our sympathies to his wife Angela, daughters Rachel & Laura and his extended family & friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. pic.twitter.com/5KLpm08XkQ

— Meath GAA (@MeathGAA) March 13, 2023

The officers of Tipperary GAA & Tipperary Football Committee would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the family of Liam Kearns on the sad news of his untimely passing today, Liam’s contribution to football in our county was immense.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/3OdeAITRKN

— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) March 12, 2023

We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Liam Kearns. Our thoughts are also with the @Offaly_GAA players and the players past and present from @LimerickCLG, @CLGLaois & @TipperaryGAA with whom Liam achieved so much. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/GWxtw5VVZS

— GPA (@gaelicplayers) March 13, 2023

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our former coach, Liam Kearns.

We would like to convey our sincere condolences to Liam’s family and friends at this sad time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. #RosGAA pic.twitter.com/oKlWRHD2Y3

— Roscommon GAA (@RoscommonGAA) March 13, 2023

RIP Liam Kearns pic.twitter.com/K932FBGF9R

— OurGame.ie (@OurGameHQ) March 12, 2023

The Limerick team who made history in 2000 by winning the county's first ever & only Munster u21 football title managed by Liam Kearns & sponsored by Tom Moran, both of whom sadly went to their eternal reward on the very same day, March 12th 2023 pic.twitter.com/hESmKusRqX

— Cuimhnigh ar Luimneach : Limerick Supporters Group (@LimerickFanPage) March 13, 2023

No words can truly describe the feeling of devastation that is around the whole County since the news broke of the sudden passing yesterday (Sunday, 12th March) of Offaly GAA Senior Football Manager, Liam Kearns. pic.twitter.com/SdSKaIVGUD

— Rhode GAA (@RhodeGAA) March 13, 2023

Terrible news about Liam Kearns. Shocking.
Condolences to his family.

— Smaller Fish GAA (@SmallerFishGAA) March 12, 2023

Shocking news to hear about Liam Kearns. A character and a gentleman. He was no doubt really looking forward to Cheltenham week!! Rip

— Shane Dowling (@dowlerznap) March 12, 2023

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