TRIBUTES have been paid to a young man who died after his car entered the Newport River in Co. Mayo.
David Walsh, 28, from Burrishoole, near Newport was described by his football club Glenhest Rovers as a ‘leader and a man’.
Mr Walsh’s body was recovered from his car after it was discovered shortly after 7am on Saturday morning in the Newport River on The Quay Road.
His body was taken to Mayo University Hospital for a post mortem examination
In a statement on Facebook, Glenhest Rovers said ‘a dark shadow’ had been cast over the community.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we must confirm the death or our inspirational clubmate David Walsh,” it read.
“Without a shadow of a doubt the toughest and saddest day and days this club has ever faced and a dark shadow has been cast across both the club and wider Newport community with the shock news.”
It added: “What an incredible player, Clubman leader and a man you could always rely on when the going got tough on the pitch, a solid 8 out of ten display every week you were guaranteed and he never let you down.”
“Always a great guy to be around and never failed to put a smile on whoever's company he found himself in,” continued the tribute.
“A huge loss for all and we especially think of David’s family at this time and all at Glenhest Rovers would like to offer our sincere condolences to David’s family on this sudden passing of David.”
A funeral Mass will take place at noon on Wednesday followed by a burial in Burrishoole cemetery.
Meanwhile other club’s offered their condolences to Mr Walsh.
Achill Rovers would like to extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of the late David Walsh, especially his club mates in Glenhest Rovers. https://t.co/iHQivKN4bT
— Achill Rovers (@AchillRoversFC) August 26, 2018
#MFL18 Westport United FC extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late David Walsh and all his clubmates at Glenhest Rovers. https://t.co/EqRcHXFAKG
— Westport United FC (@WestportUtdAFC) August 26, 2018
Manulla Football Club extends its condolences to Glenhest Rovers FC and to the family and friends of David Walsh on his sad passing... May he rest in peace... https://t.co/5TWSmXLjvR
— Manulla FC (@ManullaFC) August 26, 2018