Tributes flow after death of former GAA President Dr Michael Loftus
April 22, 2023
Former GAA president Dr Mick Loftus.
©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan.
The GAA community is in mourning after the passing of Dr Michael ‘Mickey’ Loftus at 93.
The last surviving member of Mayo’s 1951 All-Ireland senior football winning squad, Dr Loftus was elected GAA President in 1985 and served in the role until 1987.
The Crossmolina native lined-out with his county at senior level between 1949 and 1953 and, after his playing days were over, he served as a referee at club and inter-county level, refereeing the All-Ireland finals in 1965 and 1968.
Later on, Dr Loftus would become chairman of the Connacht Council as well as the Centenary Committee that organised the GAA’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 1984.
Along with his medical practice in north Mayo, he was also coroner for the same region.
Tributes have poured in on social media since news of Dr Loftus’s passing emerged on Saturday evening:
GAA President Larry McCarthy has offered his sympathies and those of the GAA to the family of Dr Mick Loftus who died over the weekend
— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 23, 2023
The Saturday Game pays tribute to former GAA President and Mayo All-Ireland winner Dr Mick Loftus who has passed away aged 93 pic.twitter.com/0kJj4tS4ce
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) April 22, 2023
Condolences from all in Lahardane MacHales to yourself and all the extended Loftus family on Dr. Mickey’s passing. He accomplished everything possible one can in the game and always was smiling, he inspired generations of Gaels!. May he rest in peace https://t.co/4vTBqEwo4O
— LahardaneMacHalesGAA (@lahardanegaa) April 22, 2023
Saddened to hear the passing of Dr. Mickey Loftus. His achievements on the field, unwavering commitment to his community, the GAA and dedication to his medical career leave a lasting legacy. Our heartfelt condolences to his family.#MayoGAA pic.twitter.com/PjSctz4523
— Alan Dillon (@Alan_Dillon) April 22, 2023
Tributes are being paid this evening to former GAA President Mayo Player and Referee Dr. Mickey Loftus who passed away today. Condolences to the Loftus family and to @DeelRoversGAA
— North Mayo Gaa (@GaaNorth) April 22, 2023
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam pic.twitter.com/pjbCb8Mx5V
C.L.G Baile an Chaisil would like to offer our sincere condolences to the loftus family and @DeelRoversGAA on the passing of Dr Mickey Loftus
— Ballycastle GAA (@Ballycastle_GAA) April 22, 2023
He opened Tom Langan Park as incoming Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael 1984
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam pic.twitter.com/mRTuMDBxwc
The great Dr Mickey Loftus who saved my life as a teenager when as my GP he insisted I had a near ruptured appendix when hospital docs thought otherwise - he was right and only for him and his dogged insistence I would have died at 18- I really hope he lives to see Mayo do it 😊 pic.twitter.com/0HD7piOOZq
— Stephen Neill (@paddyanglican) September 10, 2021
TweetSad news as Dr Mick Loftus passes away, aged 93.
— sportsfile (@sportsfile) April 22, 2023
He was in the Mayo squad who won the 1951 All-Ireland Football Final.
He was referee for the All-Ireland Senior Football Finals of 1965 & 1968 - and served as Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael from 1985 to '87 pic.twitter.com/iXTNsAlYhs
