Shane Hourigan (44), a father-of-one from Rathkeake, who lost his life following a two car collision at Reens Pike on the main Newcastlewest to Rathkeale road this morning, was regarded as one of the country’s most promising GAA referees.
Driving conditions were described as particularly bad when the fatal accident occurred shortly before 7am.
Mr Hourigan, who was the sole occupant of his car, died from his injuries at University Hospital Limerick in Dooradoyle where the driver of the second car was treated for his injuries.
A member of St Mary’s Sean Finns GAA Club in Rathkeale, Mr Hourigan was a member of the National Hurling Referee’s panel for three years and refereed the All-Ireland Minor Hurling semi-final between Waterford and Kilkenny last season, as well as the Munster U-21 Hurling Final between Clare and Tipperary.
Yesterday afternoon, he officiated over the AIB All-Ireland intermediate club semi-final between Rower Inistioge of Kilkenny and Clooney Gaels of Antrim in Navan.
In a statement issued this afternoon, GAA President Liam O’Neill said: “It was with great regret that we learned of the tragic loss of Shane this morning following a car accident.
“He was regarded as one of the GAA’s most promising up-and-coming hurling referees, and was highly respected by his peers.
“Our thoughts and prayers and those of the wider GAA membership are with his wife Marie, son Shane, mother Ellen, his immediate family and wide circle of friends at this sad time.”
The GAA President also extended sympathy to the family of Barry Nash from Tuamgraney in Clare, a young All Ireland minor handball champion, who was killed in a car accident on the M7 motorway outside Roscrea on Sunday.
via Top Limerick GAA referee dies in car crash | Limerick Post Newswrite.
