The death has taken place of former Mayo GAA Chairman PJ McGrath.

The Kilmaine native who was in his late 70’s was best-known as the man who refereed the famous 1982 All-Ireland senior football final between Kerry and Offaly, in which Seamus Darby’s late goal denied Kerry the five in a row.

He was also the chairman of the Mayo GAA Board from 1997 to 2002.
In his earlier year’s PJ played club football with his native Kilmaine, and was a member of the Mayo senior panel in 1966. 

PJ was a teacher in St. Colman’s College in Claremorris for many years and was also an active member of the Fianna Fail Party.

He was heavily involved in GAA administration, serving as President of the Connacht Council and chairman of the National Referees Committee.

PJ took up refereeing in 1965 and finished in 1997 after 32 years refereeing at every level – local, national and international. 

May he rest in peace.