A referee has died during a Derry senior hurling championship club match on Friday evening.
The official, named as 59-year-old Martin Mulholland, took charge of the game between Kevin Lynch’s Dungiven and St Colm’s of Ballinascreen.
He collapsed during the game, which took place at the grounds of the Swatragh club.
An ambulance was called and Mr Mulholland was treated by paramedics on the field while a defibrillator was also used.
However, he was later pronounced dead on arrival at hospital in Coleraine.
Chris McCann of Derry County Board said, “Martin was known by everyone and very widely respected across Co Derry as a referee.
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with Martin’s family who will feel his loss more than anyone, he was very well respected and we would also like to send our condolences to his club.
“Martin was involved in hurling with his club for decades, he had refereed at provincial level too at Ulster matches so he was known way beyond Derry.”
