'He had everything going for him' – Tributes paid to young GAA player, 14, after sudden death at home
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'He had everything going for him' – Tributes paid to young GAA player, 14, after sudden death at home

A TALENTED young GAA player has been remembered as an "amazing son" after his sudden death.

Niall O'Connor, 14, was found unresponsive at his home in Portaferry, Co. Down on Thursday evening.

Members of Niall's beloved GAA club Ballygalget GAC rushed to the house with a defibrillator as emergency services made their way to the scene.

The teenager was brought to hospital via air ambulance, but was tragically pronounced dead a short time later.

Speaking to Belfast Live, the teenager's heartbroken mum Caroline said: "I'm just completely devastated.

"He gave us 14 years of sheer happiness and joy, so many years of being an amazing son.

"He was beautiful, handsome, sporty and smart – he really had everything going for him".

She added: "We have to think about those fabulous years, in order to get through the days ahead."

Dad John said his son was a talent both on the sports field and in the classroom.

"He was involved in every sport that was going, but he had a real passion for hurling, football, golf, soccer and the occasional spot of sailing," he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"But he wasn't just a passionate sportsman, he was top of the class, a grade A student with the world at his feet."

Taking to Facebook, a spokesman for Ballygalget GAC said the club was "devastated to learn of the untimely death of our young Gael Niall O’Connor".

They added: "Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with Niall’s parents John and Caroline, his sister Ciara, extended family, teammates and friends."

Niall will be buried following Requiem Mass at St Patrick's Church, Ballygalget at 11am on Monday. RIP.