Tributes pour in after GAA club player dies after collapsing at training session last night

A DERRY GAA club is in mourning following the tragic death of a much-loved player after he collapsed at a training session last night.

Steven Deeney, 32, collapsed during an indoor session at the Roe Valley Leisure centre in Limavady at around 9pm.

Staff from Roe Valley and paramedics attended to the Saint Aidan’s player, a father of one, but confirmation that he was later pronounced dead in hospital has stunned the Magilligan community.

“We’re still trying to get our heads around it,” club chairman Peter Mullan told The42.ie. 

“We’re just a small club and Steven was very much a part of that.  He was a huge part of this club as a player and committee member.

“He had left the area for a period of time but returned and when he was with his friends, it was rare to see any of them without each other.  I want to pay tribute to the staff at the Roe Valley medical centre for their assistance.

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“Staff and paramedics were quickly on the scene and all that could possibly be done was done.  Unfortunately Steven was later pronounced dead at Causeway Hospital.

“Our entire senior squad is completely devastated. Training had only started when the incident occurred. I just want to highlight how he will be missed by the club as he was much loved by the current first team squad.

“And our deepest condolences go out to Steven’s mother, father and sisters. A big word of thanks is also due to the Roe Valley Leisure club staff and paramedics on site. Staff from the centre are all fully trained at administering first aid and were on the scene immediately.”

Derry county board chairman Brian Smith also paid tribute to Steven Deeney.

Speaking to The42.ie, he commented: “Something like this hits you really hard and takes time to get your head around. We’d like to pass on our condolences to Steven’s family and all of his colleagues at Saint Aidan’s GAA club.”