TRIBUTES HAVE POURED in after the tragic passing of two young Kerry GAA club members this weekend involved with the Dingle and Dr Crokes clubs.
14-year-old Dingle player Aodhán O’Connor died of an injury he sustained in a schools GAA match last week when he had been in action for Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in a Kerry schools game played in Dingle.
The club’s official Twitter account expressed their sympathies.
“Dingle GAA are truly saddened at the tragic loss of our young footballer Aodhán O’Connor. Aodhán will be deeply missed by his loving mom Áine, dad John, sister Ciara & all his team-mates. Our thoughts & prayers are with Aodhán’s family & friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
11-year-old Amy O’Connor, a member of the Dr Crokes club, passed away after a battle with cancer. In a great gesture, Dr Crokes captain Johnny Buckley had invited her to the podium in the Hogan Stand to help him lift the Andy Merrigan Cup after their All-Ireland club final win last March.
The Dr Crokes club released a statement from the family.
“Our beautiful daughter Amy passed away peacefully in the early hours of this morning. We are truly devastated. Amy O Connor 2007-2018 RIP.”
http://www.facebook.com/RadioGAAGAA1884/videos/1410294528993772/
The two sad passings were remarked upon by Kerry’s Colm Cooper on Allianz League Sunday last night.
“I suppose on days when we all get excited about the GAA and we all get ups and downs, your family is what’s most important. That brings it home today. So condolences from everyone on League Sunday to the family and I’m sure from the wider GAA community as well.”
Kerry GAA chairman Tim Murphy expressed his deep sadness at Aodhán’s passing.
“On behalf of Kerry GAA, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the family, club mates, friends and teachers of the late Aodhán Ó Conchúir.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of this talented young man. Words cannot express adequately the emotions felt by the Kerry GAA community on hearing this tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
“May Aodhán rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Tributes poured in from several well-known GAA figures.
A number of GAA clubs also passed on their condolences.
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Tears flowing here. I have an 11 year old girl so that video really hits home. Two beautiful children, I hope their families find some solace from the huge support they are getting locally.
Really sad. I pray for their families.
Terrible tragedies.
Although the deaths are both equally sad, I always find it extremely upsetting when I hear of a young child being struck down by cancer. It was a fantastic gesture by the Dr Crokes captain to bring her up to the Hogan Stand to help lift the cup last March. Thoughts and prayers are with both families. May they Rest In Peace.
Brave little kids,feel for all concerned,life can be very cruel