The death has occurred of the Connacht GAA marketing officer Michael McDonnell after a brief illness. He was 52.

McDonnell, a teacher at St Colman's College, Claremorris, suffered a brain haemorrhage in Luton Airport just hours after Mayo defeated London in the Connacht senior football championship clash last Sunday week.

He was rushed to Luton and Dunstable Hospital, but he passed away early yesterday.

Connacht GAA secretary John Prenty, a friend of McDonnell's for over 30 years, said: "Michael will be sorely missed by a great number of people - he revolutionised marketing and public relations in Connacht GAA.

"He had wonderful ideas, and he was a very meticulous organiser. There wasn't a day when he didn't contact the Connacht GAA office, and he worked very hard to get everything right.

"It is a huge loss to his wife, Breda, daughter, Megan, and son, Patrick, and the extended family - and also to his numerous friends."

One of McDonnell's legacies was the introduction of wireless network in press boxes for all Connacht championship matches, and he enjoyed excellent relations with members of the local and national media.

McDonnell also served a long term as secretary of the Connacht Colleges GAA Council and was the last secretary of the Mayo under-21 board before it was incorporated into the senior board over 20 years ago. He was also a keen golfer.

As a mark of respect, the Connacht Junior Football Championship final - scheduled for tomorrow - has been postponed and rescheduled for this Sunday at 3.30pm in Ballyhaunis.