THE West Cork League has paid tribute to long‑serving and highly respected referee Patrick ‘Trucker’ Hurley of Clonakilty, who passed away peacefully at Marymount University Hospital & Hospice on Tuesday.

A well-known and much-respected figure in West Cork soccer – and indeed across the local sporting landscape – Hurley’s contribution to the West Cork League marks him out as one of its most important figures.

‘Patrick was a familiar and trusted presence across the West Cork League for many years,’ the West Cork League said.

‘His calm authority, fairness, and deep understanding of football made him a referee that players, managers, and supporters all respected. He took charge of many major fixtures during his career, including Beamish Cup finals, Premier Division matches, and the prestigious Ireland Masters vs West Cork Masters game – a testament to the regard in which he was held.

The West Cork League community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Patrick “Trucker” Hurley of Clonakilty, a long‑serving and highly respected referee who gave so much of himself to our game.https://t.co/iygQXB3Axv pic.twitter.com/hOM7nlSjGE

— ⚽West Cork League (@westcorkleague) January 7, 2026

‘His contribution extended far beyond the big occasions. Patrick was a loyal servant to the league, supporting the WCL committee, clubs, volunteers, and the wider football community with generosity, reliability, and genuine goodwill. His commitment to local football was unwavering, and his presence on our pitches became part of the fabric of the league.’

Clonakilty Soccer Club added: ‘Heartbroken at the passing of the bedrock of the club, sleep well Patrick ‘Trucker’ Hurley.’

heartbroken at the passing of the bedrock of the club , sleep well patrick trucker hurley pic.twitter.com/eMDj2Xz49X

— clonakilty soccer club (@clonsoccerclub) January 6, 2026

Drinagh Rangers have also paid tribute: ‘We at Drinagh Rangers are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of West Cork's finest referees, Patrick ‘Trucker’ Hurley.

‘Anyone who knew this man knew him as Trucker, and his love of soccer for both the male and female game in West Cork was admired by everyone. As we entered the world of Astroturf we would have loved for Trucker to have seen and refereed on the Astroturf in Drinagh as he always wanted the game to grow and be successful in villages and towns around West Cork.’