PLAYERS from Derry and Mayo today paid tribute to young hurler Aodhán O’Donnell, who died suddenly this week.
Ahead of the All-Ireland Under-21 B Hurling Championship quarter-final in Carrick-on-Shannon, the players held a minute’s silence and displayed the 19-year-old’s jersey.
Derry ran out 3-15 to 0-18 winners on a poignant afternoon for the county, in which Aodhán was due to line out at corner-forward for the Oak Leafers.
Nice tribute in honour of Aodhan O’Donnell ahead of Bord Gais Energy GAA Hurling All-Ireland U21B Quarter-Final Championship - Richie McElligott Cup. pic.twitter.com/S4TuvNHdKy
— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) July 15, 2018
The Na Magha clubman was reported missing last Sunday before his body was recovered from the River Foyle on Friday.
The PSNI said his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Derry GAA expressed their condolences before the game, saying they were devastated by the young man’s passing.
“Aodhán was a much valued team mate and hurler at both club and county level and will be greatly missed,” a Derry GAA statement said.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with Derry GAA are with Aodhán’s family, friends and club members at this difficult time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”
Aodhán’s funeral is expected to take place on Monday at St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry City, after 10am Mass.
Tributes have been paid over the weekend to Aodhán, who is survived by his parents Gerry and Moira and siblings Sean and Ciara.
The club and O'Donnell Family would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support in what has been a very challenging week. Aodhán's funeral arrangements will be released in coming days. Go ndeánfaidh Dia trocáire Air. Na Magha agus Doire Abú.
— Na Magha CLG (@NaMaghaCLG) July 13, 2018
We would like to extend our condolences to the O’Donnell family, friends & Derry GAA at the tragic death of Aodhán O’Donnell hurler with @Doiregaa. Our thoughts & prayers are with Aodhán’s family, friends and club members at this difficult time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. pic.twitter.com/RnUL6k5CXh— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) July 14, 2018
Deepest sympathy to the O’Donnell family on the loss of Aodhán, hurler with @NaMaghaCLG and @Doiregaa Our prayers are with you all at this time.
Ár dheis Dé go raibh a anam— EoghanRua (@EoghanRua) July 13, 2018
Sad to hear of the sudden Death of 19 year old Aodhán O’Donnell from Derry City. Aodhán had a massive Love & Passion of hurling and played for the Derry Senior hurlers against Kildare last Month. Such Heaetbreaking & Devastating News, Taken way too young. Rest in Peace Young Man pic.twitter.com/oBfWre2hRx
— Buff Egan (@buff_egan) July 13, 2018
Our club and community offers its sincerest condolences to the family of Aodhán O'Donnell. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, with Aodhán's friends and team-mates, and all at @NaMaghaCLG. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. #GAA
— laveygac (@laveygac) July 13, 2018
Kevin Lynch Hurling club would like to offer our deepest condolences to the O'Donnell family and @NaMaghaCLG on the tragic passing Aodhán O'Donnell, Our thoughts and prayers are with O'Donnell family and Aodhán's friends and team mates. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
— Kevin Lynch HC (@KevinLynchHC) July 13, 2018