Late Offaly Manager described as a “powerhouse of a man”

The late Offaly senior inter-county football manager Liam Kearns has been described as “a powerhouse of a man.”

The prominent sportsman passed away on Sunday, March 12, aged 61 and his funeral took place on Thursday last at St Senan’s Church, Clonlara, Clare.

Paying tribute to her father, Liam's daughter Laura said that his passion in life was the GAA and that he often hopped over the wall in his youth to join training sessions. “Dad’s childhood home overlooked Austin Stacks club ground where his love of football grew from strength to strength If we were to choose an analogy to describe Dad's life it would be that he took the ball and ran with it.”

She remarked that he was meticulous in his planning behind the scenes. “We as a family are so proud of what he achieved in his GAA career.

Laura added that Liam, the first born of six children always felt so loved by his parents, Ollie and Eileen and enjoyed phoning home on a Sunday to debrief them on the week's sport.

Laura also revealed that her father's His career path as a guard led him to meet the love of his life. She stated: "Even after 38 years of marriage, Dad would catch Mam's hand as they walked together." Liam and his wife Angela met when he responded to an alarm calll from a jewellers.

Liam's second daughter Rachel added that he was a “powerhouse of a man” providing a lovely anecdote of how their father's competitive streak was also present with his children when they played board games.

Despite this, she said: “We never parted ways without Dad telling us he loved us. "

“He was a connoisseur of the 99 ice cream,” Rachel said. Their favourite memories associated with this was anticipating when Liam would stop for an ice cream. Rachel said that he also “seamlessly stepped into the role of fun grandad.”

The gym was hugely significant in Liam's life in terms of his fitness and social life. Rachel stated: “He wasted no time in acquiring a bike when the gyms closed (during Covid.)”

The momentos brought up to the altar to symbolise Liam's life were a family photo, a gaelic football as a reminder of his love for the game and Offaly, Tipperary and Kerry jerseys to symbolise some of the teams that were close to his heart.

Parish priest Fr Pat Mulcahy said he was listening to RTÉ radio when Marty Morrissey “told us of the unexpected death of Liam. Liam was in his peak fitness. All through his life he maintained a programme of fitness.”

Fr Mulcahy cited Liam winning an Ireland football medal with Kerry in 1980 as one of the highlights of his sporting career.

“During his illustrious career in the sporting world he coached Limerick, Tipperary, Laois and Offaly and it's wonderful to see the Offaly squad here doing a Guard of honour.”

The priest also mentioned that Liam helped Tipperary to get to their first All-Ireland semi-final in over 100 years in 2026 as a result of his skills and coaching.

He said that the guards were Liam's second family. "

I’m sure that on many occasions while on the beat he would have done his utmost as a guardian of the peace to ensure that our streets are safe."

Fr Mulcahy also cited an article written in the Irish Examiner about Liam's contribution to the GAA following his passing which highlighted an interview with Limerick footballer Stephen Lavin who said the players “would have gone through the walls for (Liam.)” He also said that he knew when and how to have the craic and when to crack the whip.

Offaly GAA said it was devastated to learn of the manager's passing. “In his short period of time as manager of the senior footballers, Liam made a hugely positive impact and he was extremely well respected by everyone associated with Offaly GAA. Liam was, of course, an experienced and successful inter-county and club manager and Offaly had quickly benefited from his thorough and meticulous approach to the role.”

Offaly County Council recently opened books of condolence for Liam to sign in Aras an Chontae, Birr Municipal District Offices, and Edenderry Municipal District Offices. An online version is available on offaly.ie

The Kerry native was previously in charge of Clann na nGael in Roscommon for two seasons. He was appointed Offaly manager in August 2022.

The former intercounty footballer and manager, and member of an Garda Síochána is survived by his wife Angela, daughters Rachel and Laura and his parents Ollie and Eileen. He was predeceased by his brother Peter and son Seán.