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 Crossmolina native, who served as GAA President between 1985 and 1988, was highly active in GAA circles both before and after his presidential tenure in various different guises, including in playing, officiating and administrative capacities. The current GAA President said: “It was with great sadness that we learnt of Dr Loftus’ passing. “He gave a lifetime to the GAA in a variety of different ways excelling both as a player and referee before embarking on an administrative career that led him to lead the Association as President. “His views on physical activity and fitness and healthy living generally, were well known and it could be said he was a man ahead of time. He made a profound impact on the Association. “On behalf of the wider GAA family I would like to offer his family and wide circles of friends our sympathies on his passing.” Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dá anam.

Meanwhile, Western People Editor James Laffey who knew Dr. Mick very well from interviewing him for his book the Road to 51 paid this tribute on Sunday Sport this afternoon.