Tributes paid as former Tipperary All-Ireland winner sadly passes away
The Lorrha clubman was part of the Premier County side that captured the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 1971
Former Tipperary hurler and All-Ireland winner Liam King of Lorrha Dorrha has passed away.
King was a member of the Tipperary senior hurling team from 1968 to 1975 and was part of the side that claimed All-Ireland glory with victory over Kilkenny in the 1971 final.
Playing primarily at right corner-back, he established himself as a regular member of the Tipperary senior side during his inter-county career and also represented Munster on two occasions in the Railway Cup.
The high point of his time in the blue and gold came in 1971 when Tipperary reached the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final and defeated Kilkenny to claim the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
King was joined on that Tipperary team by fellow Lorrha man Noel Lane, with the pair playing their part in one of the most memorable Premier County sides of the era.
His achievements at club level were also considerable.
King was a key member of the Lorrha Dorrha team that captured the North Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship in 1966, lining out at right half-back.
Lorrha defeated Toomevara by 3-11 to 2-13 in the North Final before their County Championship campaign eventually came to an end with defeat to Carrick Davins in the County Final.
His success with Lorrha Dorrha extended beyond senior hurling. King won a county junior football medal with the club in 1971 and was recognised as the ‘Guardian’ Player of the Year in 1972.
He had also enjoyed success at juvenile level, winning North Tipperary Under-15 medals in 1956 and 1957 and achieving county success in 1957.
King's involvement with Lorrha Dorrha continued long after his playing career had ended. He remained closely associated with the club throughout his life and served as chairperson, secretary and treasurer at different times.
His contribution to Tipperary hurling also continued beyond his playing days, with King serving as a selector with the Tipperary senior hurling team in 1985.
In paying tribute following his passing, Tipperary GAA extended its deepest sympathy to King's family, friends and the wider GAA community.
The county board described him as "a formidable presence in the Premier County defence" and a player who embodied the "pride, toughness and skill" for which Tipperary hurlers have been renowned.
Tipperary GAA said his contribution would be remembered by those who wore the blue and gold alongside him and by generations of supporters who hold the great teams of the past close to their hearts.