Former GAA president Dr Michael Loftus dies aged 93

Tributes have been paid to former GAA President Dr Michael "Mickey" Loftus who has passed away.

He was 93 years old.

A native of Crossmolina, Co Mayo, Dr Loftus was a member of the Mayo senior football panel which won the All-Ireland final in 1951.

His league and championship career spanned four years between 1949 and 1953.

After his retirement from playing Dr Loftus served as a referee at club and county level.

He also ran a medical practice in north Mayo.

He refereed the All-Ireland finals in 1965 and 1968.

Dr Loftus was chairman of the Connacht GAA Council and the Centenary Committee which organised the Association's 100th anniversary celebrations in 1984.

As well as being a medical doctor, he was the coroner for north Mayo for many years.

His daughter-in-law, Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald, is the present coroner in the district.

During his long, varied and successful career, Dr Loftus was outspoken on the issue of alcohol abuse.

He maintained that alcohol abuse was as devastating to local communities in Ireland as alcohol was in the past.

Dr Loftus strenuously questioned the level of involvement of the drinks industry in major sporting events and festivals.