Offaly hurling in mourning after death of Adrian Cahill
November 08, 2020
The late Adrian Cahill, first from the left in the front row, on the 1995 All-Ireland winning Birr team.
Offaly GAA has been left stunned by the sudden passing of former county and Birr hurling star Adrian Cahill at the age of 49.
One of the most gifted hurlers the county has ever produced, Adrian died yesterday in Lanzarotte where he has lived for the past few years. Affectionately known as 'Mongo', he was an outstanding underage talent who won All-Ireland MHC medals in 1987 and '89 playing alongside the likes of Brian Whelahan and Johnny Dooley before going on to represent the Faithful County at U21 and senior level.
A broken leg meant that he never fulfilled his potential as a senior, but he still garnered Leinster SHC and National League medals in 1990 and '91.
Cahill made his biggest impression at club level as part of an emerging Birr team that would go on to win four All-Ireland titles. He won county and Leinster titles with the St Brendan's Park outfit in 1991 and '94 as well as an All-Ireland title in 1995 when he scored 0-6 in an All-Ireland final replay win over Dunloy of Antrim.
Poignantly, Adrian's passing came on the same day as his nephew Eoghan Cahill scored 0-17 for Offaly in their Christy Ring Cup victory over Derry in Newry. His brother Gary also enjoyed a distinguished career with Birr and Offaly.
Paying tribute to him on Twitter, Birr GAA said: "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that everyone involved with Birr GAA Club learned of the sudden passing of our great gael Adrian Cahill.
"Thoughts and prayers with the Cahill family, Bulfin Park during this dark time. RIP Mongo".
"Where do you start when trying to do justice to a larger than life character. Adrian had the skill most others could only dream of on the pitch and a heart of gold off it, with a sharp wit that always brought smiles to people's faces."
Former Birr and Offaly team-mate Daithi Regan said: "RIP to a great colleague, fantastic character, genius pair of hands. We will all miss him".
Offaly GAA chairman Michael Duignan tweeted: "Adrian was one of the best. He was a magnificent, skilful hurler. He got a couple of serious injuries at the wrong time, otherwise he would have been an automatic on our team of the '90s. Lovely, genuine fella. Condolences to all the family. RIP Adrian."
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