DERRY forward Aaron Devlin has died following a short battle with meningitis.
The 23-year-old was taken to Antrim Area Hospital two days after taking part in a challenge match last Friday.
He played just 40 minutes of the game before being withdrawn after complaining of feeling fatigued.
Devlin, whose brothers Colin and Ronan have also played for Derry, remained on a life support machine until a statement released by his family on Thursday confirmed his passing.
It read: “Following a characteristically hard-fought battle with a sudden illness, our son, brother and friend Aaron has left us.
"Thanks Aaron for the laughs, the tears, the smiles, the strength, the pride... for everything. This has been an unimaginably tough and dark time for us – and will continue to be."
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