Offaly football manager passes away

The GAA world is in shock after confirmation of the passing of Offaly senior inter-county football manager, Liam Kearns.

The Kerry native died suddenly today at the age of 61.

Offaly GAA said it was devastated to learn of his sudden passing.

"In his short period of time as manager of the senior footballers, Liam made a hugely positive impact and he was extremely well respected by everyone associated with Offaly GAA.

Offaly GAA said it extends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Angela, and daughters, Rachel and Laura.

Kearns was appointed Offaly manager in August last, succeeding Mayo's John Maughan, who stepped down in the aftermath of Offaly's Tailteann Cup semi-final defeat to Westmeath.

Kearns was previously manager of Limerick, Laois and Tipperary.

Prior to his time in Offaly, he had been in charge of Clann na nGael in Roscommon for two seasons.