Tributes paid following death of RTÉ sports journalist

A ‘true gentleman and supporter of Irish football’ and a ‘decent, helpful and gentle man’

Tributes have poured in following the sudden death of popular RTÉ Sports Reporter Pat McAuliffe.  Photograph: James Crombie/©INPHO
Tributes have poured in following the sudden death of popular RTÉ Sports Reporter Pat McAuliffe. Photograph: James Crombie/©INPHO

Tributes have poured in following the sudden death of popular RTÉ Sports Reporter Pat McAuliffe.

The FAI issued a statement in which they said they were “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the veteran broadcaster and journalist”.

The Association described the 61 year old as a “true gentleman and supporter of Irish football”.

Cork City FC said Pat covered their games "at many levels for many years. "Our sympathies to his friends, family and colleagues".

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Cork GAA tweeted that McAuliffe reported on games for RTÉ and was a “regular visitor to Páirc Uí Rinn and Páirc Uí Chaoimh”.

In a post on Twitter Munster Rugby said that Pat was “a gentleman and a hugely popular presence in press boxes in Munster and across the country”.

Former Ireland rugby player Ronan O’Gara tweeted that it was “terribly sad news”.

“A really decent man. Thoughts are with all his family and friends.”

RTÉ Radio rugby commentator Michael Corcoran said he was “totally shocked” to learn of the passing of McAuliffe.

“We spent many happy years together in Fr Matthew Street keeping the sports flag flying. Rest in peace Pat.”

Adrian Taaffe of Virgin Media Sports said he was a “decent, helpful and gentle man.”

“He would generously offer me snippets of stats in Turner’s Cross before a live commentary ‘because you are going to need plenty’. Sincere condolences to his family.”

Expressions of condolence have also been paid by Waterford FC, Fermoy FC, The Echo, Red FM, Cobh Ramblers FC, Rockmount AFC and UCC soccer.

McAuliffe passed away in his native Cork overnight. He was a former player with Rockmount AFC. He also served as a referee.

McAuliffe was a fixture at matches in Turner’s Cross, Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Musgrave Park in Cork. He was employed by RTÉ and also wrote for The Echo newspaper.

He travelled extensively around Europe over the years covering Cork City’s exploits in UEFA and Champions League.

On Sunday morning he attended the SSE Airtricity League Under 19 game between Cobh Ramblers and Cork City.