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Tributes paid to Co Antrim GAA referee Paul McKeever

Tributes have been paid to Co Antrim GAA referee Paul McKeever
Tributes have been paid to Co Antrim GAA referee Paul McKeever Tributes have been paid to Co Antrim GAA referee Paul McKeever

FORMER Antrim footballer and inter-county referee Paul McKeever who died earlier this week has been described as an “exemplary role-model”.

The father-of-three died on Tuesday night following a short illness at the Macmillan Unit, based in the grounds of Antrim Area Hospital.

The 38-year-old comes from a well-known family in the Portglenone area and represented Antrim at both minor and Under-21 level.

Mr McKeever, who had been ill since late summer, worked in his family’s car sales business, which is based in the Largy area of Portglenone.

Forced to give up football through injury, he later embarked on a successful career as a referee.

The Ulster Council last night confirmed there would be a minute’s silence at all Ulster club games this weekend.

Mr McKeever was deeply involved with Roger Casements GAC in Portglenone, where he served on the committee and coached underage teams.

He was a member of the ground-breaking Sean Stinson's minor team – an amalgamation between Roger Casements and St Mary’s Ahoghill – which won four Antrim minor championships in a row between 1995-1998.

Several members of those successful squads went on to represent Antrim at senior level, including his brother John.

After his playing days were over Mr McKeever became a referee.

In the past he officiated Ulster club championship and Ulster minor championship games.

He also refereed the Ulster senior football league final earlier this year as well as the Under-20 championship game between Donegal and Cavan in May.

Roger Casements club secretary Martin Kearney last night said Mr McKeever was a “driving force” at committee level “especially in the provision of the magnificent new playing facilities opened this year at Páirc Uí Cheallaigh”.

“He will be long remembered at committee level for his straight-talking, no-nonsense honest approach at committee meetings,” he said.

“As a club we owe so much to Paul’s generation for their drive, enthusiasm and leadership qualities.

“Paul was a born leader, an exemplary role-model who was generous with his time and spirit.”

Mr Kearney spoke of the loss to the community.

“He is a massive loss to us all but most importantly to his family,” he said.

Chair of the Antrim referees committee Brendan Toland last night said the refereeing fraternity is “devastated by his loss”.

“He was a dedicated referee who was there to help and mentor,” he said.

“I could not speak highly enough of him.”

Antrim chairman Collie Donnelly said: “All the McKeever family are great GAA people.

“Our thoughts go out to his family and all at the Portglenone club.”

The Ulster Council last night said: “Paul McKeever was a true gentleman who was always an enthusiastic and loyal match official at our games.”

Mr McKeever is survived by his wife Nicola, sons Ryan and Conor, and daughter Erin.

Requiem Mass will take place at St Mary’s Church Portglenone on Saturday at 11am with burial afterwards in Aughnahoy cemetery.