Liam Davidson: Tributes paid to much-loved GAA chairman and father of three after sudden death

The St Michael’s GAC Newtownhamilton chair died suddenly after suffering a suspected heart attack at a Road Bowling event in Co Louth

A south Armagh community has been rocked following the sudden passing of a much-loved father of three.

Liam Davidson, 51, was the chairman of the St Michael’s Newtownhamilton GAA club and a popular member of the local road bowling club.

He passed away on Saturday after suffering a suspected heart attack while attending the All-Ireland Road Bowling finals near Drogheda in Co Louth.

In a statement posted on the club’s Facebook page, St Michael’s said they were “heartbroken” at Liam’s sudden passsing.

“Our club community is heartbroken on the sudden passing of our chairperson Liam Davidson.

“Liam has been a dedicated and valued member of our club for over 40 years as a player, coach and holding many roles on our committee. He was well-known and loved within, not just our club, but also in the whole GAA community in south Armagh and further afield.

“At this tough time, foremost in our thoughts are Liam’s family. We offer our prayers and support for parents Brendan and Sheila, for his wife Leona, sons Fionn and Cathal and daughter Leah as well as the wider family circle who are all heavily involved in our club. All club activity has been paused until further notice. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

Newtownhamilton Road Bowls also paid tribute to a club stalwart and offered their sympathies to his family.

“The road bowling community of Newtownhamilton have been stunned and saddened at the very sudden passing of Liam (Magee) Davidson.

“Liam died very suddenly on Saturday morning whilst supporting his fellow clubman in the novice 2 All-Ireland series in Baltray county Louth.

“Liam was an ever present committee member of the Newtown club, serving at all levels on the executive, and the go to person for organising all events.

“Liam was well-known the length and breadth of the county and was also the current chairman of st Michael’s GFC. Liam was a tireless supporter of the Newtown community and will be greatly missed by everyone. The road bowls community would like to pass on it deepest sympathies to entire Davidson family circle.”

Ulster Road Bowls also added: “Ból-Chumann Uladh wish to extend their condolences to the family and friends of the late Liam Davidson on his sudden and untimely passing.

“Our deepest sympathies are offered to his wife Leona, sons Fionn, Cathal and his daughter Leah and to our colleagues in Newtown where Liam was a lifelong member. The nature of his passing has left the bowling fraternity in deep shock. May Liam’s gentle soul rest in peace.”