Derry GAA matches cancelled after sudden death of referee Mulholland

All League and Championship matches in Derry have been called off this weekend as a mark of respect following the death of referee Martin Mulholland.

Mulholland was refereeing a hurling quarter-final between Kevin Lynch's, Dungiven and St. Colm's, Ballinascreen when he collapsed and had to receive medical treatment.

The paramedics brought him to the dressing rooms where a defibrillator was used in attempts to revive him. He was then brought to Coleraine Hospital where he later died.

Mulholland, who leaves a wife and four sons, was a highly-regarded referee and rated as one of the fittest in the county. A former player, he hailed from Slaughtneil and was in his 50s.

A statement from the Derry County Board expressed the county's widespread 'shock and sadness' at the sudden and untimely passing of Martin.

"Martin was a highly respected and popular official and his death has stunned the GAA community across our county and beyond," it read.

"First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with Martin's family and friends at this terrible time. Our condolences are also extended to Robert Emmets GAC Slaughtneil on the loss of an exemplary Gael."

Hurling Secretary Damien McEldowney from the Robert Emmets club spoke to BBC Northern Ireland about the incident in Swatragh.

"Five minutes in to the second half he got accidentally struck on the leg with the ball. A minute after that he blew the whistle and went down," he explained.

"At the start nobody in the ground knew what was wrong. When we saw everyone rushing, that's when everyone realised it was something serious.

"They (paramedics) thought they had brought him around, but he took a turn in the ambulance."

It is the second occasion in the space of a week that a GAA match official has encountered serious health problems during a game.

Just last Sunday, Down referee Gabriel Tumelty had to be resuscitated after having a heart attack whilst taking charge of a football match between Burren and Longstone in Newry.

The 46-year-old was tended to at the scene by the teams' medics and three doctors, who were watching the game, and was saved by the defibrillator. He was then rushed to Daisy Hill Hospital where he is currently recovering.