The GAA has offered its sympathies to the family of the late Pat Fanning, former GAA President, whose death occurred this morning.

Born in 1918, Mr Fanning served as President of the GAA between the years of 1970 and '73 after succeeding Séamus Ó Riain.

He filled administrative positions at every level of the Association serving as Waterford County Chairman on three separate occasions, including one period after his tenure as GAA President from 1975 to '78.

He played inter-county hurling at every grade for Waterford and won seven County SHC medals with Mount Sion.

The GAA's decision to remove Rule 27, otherwise known as 'The Ban', at Annual Congress 1971 in Belfast also occurred on his watch.

GAA President Christy Cooney paid tribute to the Waterford official.

He said: "Pat Fanning was an inspirational figure who had an active role at every level of the Association both before and after serving as Association President.

"He showed real leadership qualities in the three years that he served in that position, which was a challenging time for the Association, and he made an immense contribution to GAA over a prolonged period.

"Of course his involvement with the GAA started with the games and his record, most notably with his Club Mount Sion, is a proud one.

"On behalf of the Association as a whole I would like to take this opportunity to offer our condolences to the Fanning family and Waterford GAA on their loss."

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