TRIBUTES have been paid to a young man who passed away suddenly from a cardiac seizure at the age of just 23.
Pearse Branagan, who had just begun a career in teaching, died on Saturday evening.
The Co. Down native was a senior hurler with his local club Clonduff GAC.
The club led the tributes to the young man after announcing his passing late last night.
Devastation
“It is with deep sadness and a sense of devastation that we report the sudden and very untimely death of young Pearce Branagan one of our Senior Hurlers,” they said in a statement.
“Pearce aged just 23 passed away after suffering a cardiac seizure on Saturday evening.
“He had just begun his teaching career in nearby St Malachy’s PS Kilcoo.
“Pearce is the second son of Tony and Terri (Ballycashone Road), younger brother of Padraig and older brother of Lorcan and Caitlin.
“To them, his girlfriend Ellen McCrilly (Moy), a wide family circle and his team mates and his pupils in St Malachy’s we tender our deepest sympathy.
"May his gentle soul rest in peace.
“Mary Queen of the Gael Pray for him and his family. Ár dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
The club has cancelled all training and games following the player’s passing.
Clonduff's clubrooms will be open this evening between 7–10pm for members of the community to sign a book of condolence.
Shock
Local politicians also offered their condolences after Pearse’s tragic passing.
Chris Hazzard, Sinn Féin MP for South Down, said: “This is a tragic time for the Branagan family and indeed, the whole Clonduff community.
“I’m sure their hearts are breaking today.
"My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone in South Down are with all the family and friends at this tough time.”
Party colleague Michelle Gildernew, MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said: “My sincere sympathies to the Branagan and McCrilly families at this awful time.
“A great team of people did everything they could to save Pearse but it wasn’t to be.
“Please God his family and girlfriend, his friends and the Clonduff community get the strength they need to come to terms with his untimely death.
“Ár dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Sinn Féin MLA for South Down, Sinead Ennis, added: “Shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Clonduff Senior Hurler Pearse Branagan.
“Sincerest condolences to Pearse’s family, teammates and entire @ClonduffGAC community.”
GAA clubs and individuals have offered their condolences following the young man’s tragic passing.
Condolences to the Branagan family and @ClonduffGAC on the sad death of Pearse yesterday. Coached him at the Ranch. A gentleman. RIP Pearse. https://t.co/Ch0kAKJqak
— Ciaran Kearney (@Ciaran_Kearney) 24 June 2018
New York Gaa would like to share our thoughts and prayers to the entire @ClonduffGAC community after the devastating news of the loss of one of their own. Rest In Peace Pearse Branagan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/z390Lpi27u
— New York GAA (@NewYorkGAA) 24 June 2018
Everyone in the @StMarysBelfast family offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Pearse Branagan.
Pearse was a past pupil and played with the Ranch Hurling team. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the @ClonduffGAC community. https://t.co/Mga3aCIi4c— St Mary's SU (@StMarysBelfast) 24 June 2018
The thoughts and prayers of all at the Red High are with the Branagan family and friends and our fellow gaels in Clonduff GAC following the death of Pearse Branagan. Pearse had just begun a teaching career in St... https://t.co/kpbVKv9u6d
— St Patrick's Grammar (@Redhigh1934) 24 June 2018
Condolences to his family and everyone in the club . May his gentle soul rest in peace 💙
— Mayobridge GAC (@MayobridgeGAC) 24 June 2018
Sad to hear of the Death of Clonduff Senior hurler Pearse Branagan from County Down. The 23 year old sadly died from a cardiac seizure. Such Heartbreaking News. Condolences to his Family and everyone at the Club. May his Gentle Soul Rest in Peace pic.twitter.com/kcpqfeEqyV
— Buff Egan (@buff_egan) 24 June 2018
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