Awful news came out London GAA this weekend as referee Mattie Maher passes away, the London club released a statement on their social media reading;
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He had been reffing a provincial match in Watford when he took ill, but passed away en route to the hospital.
Mattie, a prominent referee in the county and known to all involved in any way with GAA in London, was a larger than life character.
He had refereed numerous county finals in recent years, a clear indication of how valued he was and had become a popular figure among players and spectators alike.
Mattie was also an esteemed club delegate at county board meetings, and frequently contributed to varied discussion on important GAA matters… often wrapping things up with a witty, tongue-in-cheek remark.
But above all the Tipperary native was a family man, who often had his two beloved children alongside him on his way into the grounds for matches. It is them and his wife Denise that the board wish to pass on their most heartfelt condolences to at this desperately sad time.
Due to this tragedy and as a mark of respect to Mattie, all London GAA fixtures are called off this weekend.
London GAA is extremely saddened to report the absolutely awful news that referee Mattie Maher passed away earlier this evening.
He had been reffing a provincial match in Watford when he took ill, but passed away en route to the hospital.
(Ctd.) pic.twitter.com/wfHoy6N2Hf
— Official London GAA (@LondainGAA) April 23, 2022