Limerick GAA has been plunged into mourning following the death of inter-county hurling referee Shane Hourigan in a road accident this morning.

Shane, who was 40, was a member of the St. Mary's/Sean Finns club in Rathkeale and had taken charge of many high-profile hurling fixtures at both local and national level. He was the standby referee for last September's All-Ireland minor final between Waterford and Galway, having refereed the semi-final clash between Waterford and Kilkenny a few weeks earlier.

Only yesterday, he was the man in the middle for the All-Ireland club IHC semi-final between Rower-Inistioge (Kilkenny) and Clooney Gaels (Antrim) in Navan. His son, also Shane, is a prominent player with Rathkeale.

The accident occurred between Newcastle West and Rathkeale this morning shortly before 7 o'clock. Shane was removed to Limerick University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Liam O'Neill extended the sympathies of the GAA to the family of Shane Hourigan: "It was with great regret that we learnt of the tragic passing of Shane this morning. He was regarded as one of the Association's up and coming hurling referees and very highly respected by his peers.

"Our thoughts and prayers and those of the wider GAA membership are with his family and wide circle of friends at this sad time."

May he rest in peace. Tweet

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