/> One of Ireland’s finest sports writers Con Houlihan has died at the age of 86.

The Kerry native passed away in hospital at around 7.30 this morning, from kidney failure.

Over a lengthy career, he covered many of the greatest Irish and international sporting events, from  Gaelic football and hurling finals, to soccer, rugby and the Olympics.

He worked for the Irish Press group of newspapers and later with the Irish Independent and Evening Herald.

He worked right up until his death and wrote his last ever article during the past week, which will be published in tomorrow’s Sunday World.

He’s survived by his long term friend and companion Harriot Duffin and a wide circle of friends.

Sports Editor with the Irish Examiner Tony Leen says he has so much respect for Con who helped him get his first job.

He says it would be very fitting for all GAA fans to pay tribute to the writing legend in Croke Park this weekend:

“We talk about minutes silence in Croke Park for GAA legends – Con Houlihan is a GAA legend in every sense of the word. I think what would be very appropriate this evening for the two quarter finals and particularly tomorrow  for the two quarter finals – with Kerry playing – Croke Park should reverberate to a minute  round of applause. This would be a very apt celebration of the joy and enjoyment that he gave thousands and thousands of GAA supporters.”