Former Ladies Gaelic Football Association president Peter Rice has died after a short illness.

The LGFA have confirmed that the Laois native died on Monday, with a statement describing him as a "true advocate for our sport and an inspiration to us all who worked closely with him over many years.

"Peter has been a loyal volunteer since the 1980s and has served at every level of the association at club, county, provincial and national levels, where he served as LGFA national president from 1991 to 1994," continued an LGFA statement.

"Peter was a Laois man residing in Wexford for many years and was closely associated with the St Fintan's club, which he helped form in 1989, and previous to that with the Forth Celtic Ladies club in Wexford, which is now Shelmaliers.

"He managed St Fintan’s to win numerous titles, including an All-Ireland U14 Féile, U16, U18, Junior and Senior Championships, along with Junior and Senior Leagues, and the All-Ireland 7-a-side Shield competition."

Rice served as Wexford county board PRO in 1984, 1985 and 1988 and had two spells as president of the Leinster Council.

He was a manager and selector with numerous Wexford underage teams, and helped to county to success at All-Ireland U18 (1986) and U14 (1990) level, and also an U16 All-Ireland Final appearance in 1992.

Rice was manager of Wexford adult teams in 1990 and 1991 and more recently he was a selector with the Wexford teams that reached the 2007 TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Final and the 2011 TG4 All-Ireland Junior semi-final.

He received a GAA President's award in 2013 for his sevices to Ladies Gaelic Football.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of Peter's passing," said current LGFA president Mícheál Naughton.

"Peter was one of life’s true gentlemen and a true Gael who delivered outstanding service to our Association in various roles.

"A quiet and unassuming man, Peter was incredibly committed to our association and worked tirelessly on behalf of the LGFA.

"He had a smile that would light up a room and we pass on our sincere condolences to his family and many, many friends.

Ladies Gaelic Football Association CEO, Helen O’Rourke, added: "I’ve known Peter throughout my entire involvement in our Association.

"He has always been a trusted friend and advisor, a man you could always rely on to steer you in the right direction.

"Peter played a huge role in the development of our association and will be fondly remembered for his contribution to our success."

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis."