The death has taken place of Paddy Downey, who was the Irish Times Gaelic games correspondent for 32-years.

A Cork native, Paddy Downey was one of the founding members of the All Star awards and retired from his role with the Irish Times in 1994.

GAA President Liam O'Neill has extended his sympathies and those of the Association.

"Paddy Downey was a legendary figure in the coverage of Gaelic games replacing as he did Paddy Mehigan and covering the activities of the Association for more than three decades," said O'Neill.

"His wit, eye for detail and clarity of prose regularly brought game incidents to life in print for those who had not witnessed them and his passion for football and hurling was evident to anyone who picked up his reports.

"A Schull native, Paddy was also instrumental in the establishment of the All-Stars scheme in 1971 and was a regular attendee at our All-Ireland finals.

"He will be sorely missed and I extend my condolences to his wife Cathríona and family and Paddy's wide circle of friends and admirers." Tweet

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