Hundreds of mourners queued outside a tiny chapel at St Finbarr's hospital in Cork last night to pay their respects at the removal of former GAA president Con Murphy who died on Sunday after a short illness.

Murphy's removal took place at 6pm in the chapel on the grounds of the hospital. The 84-year-old's remains were brought to St Mary's Church in Innishannon for burial. His requiem mass takes place at noon today with burial following in the cemetery adjoining the church.

Amongst the mourners last night was Murphy's wife Tess, the couple's children Noel, Áine, Brendan and Máire and Murphy's brother Dominic. GAA president Nickey Brennan was also there alongside GAA director general Liam Mulvihill, Munster Council treasurer Ger Hickey, former GAA president Paddy McFlynn and hurling and football officials from all over the country.

In a statement by Prionnsias Ó Mhurchú on behalf of the officers and members of the Cork County Board yesterday Murphy was described as a man of the highest integrity and commitment.

"The Gaelic Athletic Association in Cork is deeply saddened at the passing of one of the most distinguished administrators the association has known. A man deeply committed to all of the GAA's ideals, Con Murphy was widely admired as one of the association's greatest presidents, having previously served as Cork County Secretary with supreme dedication.

"He was in all respects a true champion of Cork. His work in the development of our games and infrastructure was colossal."

Cork County Board chairman Mick Dolan described Murphy as an iconic figure in Cork GAA who never lost touch with the association's grassroots, while Sports Minister John O'Donoghue paid tribute to Murphy's support for the national games at youth level.

Murphy was GAA president between 1976 and 1978. Prior to that he enjoyed a distinguished playing career, winning successive AllIreland senior hurling titles between 1942 and 1944. He won a fourth medal in 1946. In 1948, Murphy claimed his sole National Hurling League title. He also won Railway Cup medals with Munster.

During his career he lined out he lined out alongside the likes of Jack Lynch and Christy Ring. He was granted the freedom of Cork in 1995.