GAA extends sympathies to family of Down referee Michael Cole

GAA president Nickey Brennan has extended his deepest sympathies and those of the GAA to the family and friends of Down referee, Michael Cole.

Mr Cole was refereeing a Down Senior football league game yesterday evening when he collapsed and died.

Mr Cole was also a councillor on Newry and Mourne District Council and was mayor for the past year, his term of office as mayor ending recently.

"Mr Cole was a great GAA man who was very committed to refereeing," Mr Brennan said.