The death occurred today of Jack Lynch, former President of the Golfing Union of Ireland and a stalwart of Limerick Golf Club and Munster golf.

In recognition of his services to Irish golf, he was presented with the COSPOIR Sports Service Award in 1996, long before he became president of the GUI in 2002, an office in which he served with great distinction.

The citation went thus:

“For service to the sport of Golf, Jack Lynch is receiving the 1996 Sports Service Award.

"Jack has served Limerick, Munster and Irish golf unselfishly for the past twenty years. During that period, Jack sacrificed his own game, which took him to the latter stages of a number of major Irish Amateur Championships, to devote his time to the administrative service of his fellow golfers.

"As a member of the committee of Limerick Golf Club, Jack has held a number of positions, including Competitions Secretary, Junior Golf Officer, Senior and Junior Cup Captain and Course Chairman. It was not uncommon to see Jack at first light on a frosty winter morning as he inspected the golf course to determine whether it was fit to play on or not.

"For the past fifteen years, Jack has served as a member of the Munster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland, as well as being a member of the Golfing Union’s Central Council. He has held several key positions in the Munster Branch, including Competitions and Rules. Many established golfers have bowed to Jack’s superior knowledge of the rules in his role as match referee.

"From 1985 to 1987, Jack captained the Irish Youths Golf Team which included a number of famous golfers, such as Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Eoghan O’ Connell and Jim Carvill, all of whom are now in the professional ranks. He has also been a selector for the Irish Senior Team for the past four years.

"Jack’s great contribution to Limerick, Munster and Irish golf was recognised in 1996 when he was elected as Chairman of the Munster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland. This honour will culminate in 2002, when Jack will become President of the Golfing Union of Ireland.”

This is a fitting tribute indeed to a man who has devoted his life to the administration of the game of golf in Ireland. Jack had quite a successfiil career on the field of play also, featuring on the Limerick Golf Club Senior Cup winning teams of 1976, 1980 and 1982 and represented Munster in the Interprovincial Championships in 1972. He also captained the Limerick Junior Cup side to the Irish title at Royal Portrush in 1979."

Beloved husband of Noreen and dearly loved father of Mark, Mike, Paul and Kate, he is reposing at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street in Limerick on Monday evening from 5pm to 7pm followed by removal to St Joseph’s Church, O’Connell Avenue. Requiem Mass is on Tuesday at 11.30am with funeral afterwards to Castlemungret Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to the Irish Heart Foundation.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam