Tributes paid as GAA fan dies at Limerick v Clare hurling match

A garda spokesperson confirmed that gardaí attended a medical incident on the Ennis Road at around 7pm on Saturday night. 

"A man, aged in his 70s, later passed away following the incident," said the garda spokesperson.

Mr Walsh was seated in the Uncovered Stand. The tragic incident happened in the opening half. Among those who offered assistance was Limerick hurling team medic Dr James Ryan. A person, who was in close proximity to the medical emergency in the stadium, expressed their condolences to the man's family as well as praising emergency services for their response.

"Sympathies to the family of the poor man who passed away near us at the match this evening. Well done to the paramedics who worked on him. So sad. May he rest in peace," they said in a tweet. 

Another person tweeted: "My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the person who passed away in the TUS Gaelic Grounds this evening. Someone who went to watch a match the same as myself but didn't make it home."

Limerick hurling supporters Facebook page also paid tribute. It said "We would like to pass on our condolences to the family of the man who passed away this evening during the game in the Gaelic Grounds. We would like to thank all the staff and paramedics that worked tirelessly throughout this difficult event."

It is also believed that a second man suffered a seizure at the game but that he is recovering in hospital. The game finished in a one-point win for Clare and represented All-Ireland Champions Limerick’s first defeat in Championship hurling in nearly four years.

Mr Walsh is survived by his wife Sheila and four adult children. His remains will repose in Mc Mahons Funeral Home Sixmilebridge this Wednesday (May 3) from 6pm to 8pm followed by removal to St. Finnachta's Church. Funeral Mass Thursday (May 4) at 1pm followed by burial afterwards in Ballysheen cemetery.