The GAA community is in shock this afternoon with the news that a popular GAA commentator has passed away.
Tributes have been paid to 61-year-old Cork native Pat McAuliffe, who died overnight.
McAuliffe reported on a wide range of sports across the south west, including GAA, soccer and rugby.
He will be well-known to Laois fans as he covered a number of matches involving the O’Moore County on the radio.
As recently as two weeks ago, he was in O’Moore Park for the meeting of Laois and Carlow in Division 3 of the football league.
A hugely popular colleague, McAuliffe’s voice was familiar to listeners of RTÉ Radio’s Saturday and Sunday Sport, as well as midweek sports bulletins.
McAuliffe also wrote for The Echo newspaper and on Sunday morning had attended the SSE Airtricity League Under-19 game between Cobh Ramblers and Cork City.
The Football Association of Ireland, Munster Rugby, Cork City FC and Ronan O’Gara were among those to pay tribute to the broadcaster and journalist.
May he Rest in Peace.
Shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing overnight in Cork of @RTEsport reporter Pat McAuliffe. A veritable bundle of energy around Pairc Ui Rinn, Turner’s Cross and Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Heartfelt condolences to his family from all his colleagues at @ExaminerSport.
— Tony Leen (@tonyleen) April 1, 2019
Going into a press box as a novice reporter is daunting, so for someone of Pat McAuliffe’s stature to say hello was a big deal.
But it was never just ‘hello’ with Pat. He always went out of his way for a chat, to see how you were, to be a gent.
He’ll be missed by many.
RIP.
— Paul Dollery (@PaulDollery) April 1, 2019
Hard day following the recent loss of Alan McQuillan. Pat McAuliffe consistently filled my phone with good luck texts before on-air or production gigs. Will remember his kindness most & his forensic knowledge of the roads around EVERY venue possible. The most decent of men gone https://t.co/2ycgYQrdCP
— Damien O’Meara (@damien_omeara) April 1, 2019
Cork GAA would like to express their deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of @RTEsport reporter Pat McAuliffe RIP who has died suddenly. Pat covered Cork games for @rte and was a regular visitor to Pairc Ui Rinn & Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
— Cork GAA (@OfficialCorkGAA) April 1, 2019
The news of the passing of Pat McAuliffe is so hard to take in. Had a brief chat with Pat post Georgia. He was smiling away. That was his way. If you were involved in a show he would always say..’The best of luck today’. My sympathies to his family and friends.
— Adrian Eames (@AdrianEames1) April 1, 2019
Absolutely shocked and saddened at the untimely death of Pat McAuliffe. Made me feel at home in cork from the first moment I met him here 20 years ago. Sincere condolences to his family. Such a sad loss to sport in Ireland.
— Stephen Henderson (@stevehendo07) April 1, 2019
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