Gardaí were yesterday awaiting the results of a post-mortem on a young GAA referee who died suddenly earlier this week in Co Tipperary.
Brian O'Reilly (35), of Ardcroney, Nenagh, had stayed locally in a friend's house on Monday night after being out for a few drinks to celebrate a friend's engagement.
He was found dead sitting in a chair on Tuesday morning.
He had acted as a linesman in the All-Ireland Minor B hurling quarter-final between Meath and Kerry in Nenagh last Saturday afternoon.
On that evening he refereed a north Tipperary Junior B club championship match between Ballina and Toomevara.
Mr Tommy Ryan, another linesman in both those games, said Brian showed no signs of ill-health during or after the matches.
"He was in great spirits and in flying form.
"He did a fine job refereeing the match.
"All he complained about after the game was that he was hungry.
"He was a quite modest guy and great fun to be with."
A post-mortem was carried out at Nenagh Hospital yesterday afternoon.
Brian, a secondary school teacher in Headford, Co Galway, officiated at club games in Tipperary, Galway and Mayo and had acted as a linesman in a number of inter-county matches.
"He is a serious loss to the GAA, particularly in North Tipperary.
"The community and GAA members here are shocked," said fellow referee Mr Liam Hogan.
North Tipperary GAA board secretary, Mr Gerard McKeogh, said Brian was one of the most obliging officials in the county.
"He was a good referee and always willing to help out, even at short notice." Mr McKeogh, who lined out himself in the match on Saturday evening for Ballina, said: "Brian was flying around the field.
"He had no problems keeping up with the play."
The deceased, who was single, is survived by his mother, Theresa, sister Stella and brother Alan.