The president of the GAA, Mr Joe McDonagh, paying a special tribute to Mr Lynch, said he held a very special position in the history of Gaelic games. He was the only man to win six senior All-Ireland championships in succession.
Mr Lynch was a member of the victorious Cork hurling teams in 1941, 1942 (when he was captain), 1943, 1944 and 1946 and won his only All-Ireland football title in 1945.
The GAA president said he was renowned as one of the greatest hurlers and was the inspiration for a generation of young Cork men.
"When his playing days ended he maintained his great interest in both Gaelic football and hurling and was never happier than when amongst his own in Glen Rovers' clubrooms talking about the games and the people, or watching his beloved Cork play in Croke Park," Mr McDonagh said.
The director general of the GAA, Mr Liam Mulvihill, described the former Taoiseach as a unique person in Irish history. He said that above all else he was a thorough gentleman.
"He was a great statesman who had a great love for his country, his people, the language, culture and the national games. He remained passionate throughout his life about the fortunes of his beloved Glen Rovers and Cork, but he was always generous in his appreciation of all teams," he said.
"Despite the extraordinary demands that his political life placed on him, Jack Lynch remained committed to the needs and the desires of the people. His memory will be cherished, but he will be sadly missed," Mr Mulvihill added.