The Taoiseach has led tributes to former GAA President Joe McDonagh, who has died at the age of 63.

The All-Ireland winning hurler died yesterday following a short illness. 

The Galway native served as Uachtarán GAA between 1997 and 2000.

Enda Kenny today praised Mr McDonagh's charisma and leadership qualities.

The Galway man is perhaps best remembered for singing the West's Awake on winning the all Ireland Hurling title with his county in 1980.