Tributes pour in for GAA referee Kieran 'Festie' Delaney (48) following death

Mr Delaney was walking on the R499 between Toomevara and Ballinamona Cross shortly after 10pm on Tuesday when he was in a collision with a car.

The driver of the car, a man in his 20s, was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Mr Delaney refereed several top championship games in Tipperary and last year refereed the county intermediate hurling final.

In a Facebook post, Toomevara GAA Club said: "An extremely passionate Toomevara man, Kieran was involved with the club from a young age and an active member of the club's committee.

"Widely known in North Tipperary GAA circles, he will be missed by many."

On his RIP.ie page it states that the death has occurred of Kieran (Festie) Delaney of Grennanstown Norwood, Nenagh, Tipperary and formerly of Bunacum, Toomevara, following a tragic accident on December 6.

It reads: “Predeceased by his beloved father Patrick. Will be sadly missed by his loving partner Liz and their cherished children Cathal and Lily, his mother Mary, brothers Paul and Colm and his sister Jackie, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, dear cousins, relatives, kind neighbours and his many friends.

“May Festie Rest In Peace. "

In the condolences section numerous messages have been left including one that reads: “My sincerest condolences to his family and friends on Kieran’s tragic passing.”

Another adds: “Deepest sympathy to all the Delaney family on the tragic death of Kieran. May he rest in peace.”

Another states: “Sincere sympathy to the extended Delaney family on the sad passing of Kieran at this very difficult time. We are particularly thinking of Paul, Marie and family, we will remember you in our prayers."

Another person has written: "My heartfelt sympathies to all Festie’s family, close friends and GAA community. What a character Kieran was in life.

“He spent a day recently working at my parents’ house and entertained them for the day. So sorry for everyone involved here.”

Another said Kieran “was a great character and will be sorely missed”.

One writer said they had “the pleasure of meeting 'Festie' during our childhood days in Toome, where my dad, aunt and sister were involved in the camogie club. I'd often be roped (volunteered) into doing umpire, linesman and sometimes referee.

“Always made time for us all and was a vibrant, spirited and bubbly character. May he rest in peace.”