DERRY Gaelic footballer Aaron Devlin has lost his battle for life days after being struck down with an aggressive form of meningitis.
As tributes flooded in last night to the hugely popular GAA player, his former university club said he was someone who would "light up every possible environment".
The 23-year-old lost his battle with the deadly form of meningitis yesterday afternoon.
The Ballinderry Shamrocks player was rushed to hospital after becoming unwell on Friday of last week. He was being treated in intensive care at Antrim Area Hospital.
Mr Devlin's parents Eugene and Carmel, sister Anna, and brothers Coilin and Ronan, who have also played for Ballinderry, had maintained a vigil at his bedside.
The tragedy comes just months after the sudden death of his cousin, Jenna Coney, from Ardboe. The 25-year-old died in March.
In an emotional tribute, the Devlin family said last night he had died "following a characteristically hard-fought battle with a sudden illness".
"This has been an unimaginably tough and dark time for us - and will continue to be," they said.
"The actions, words, prayers, kindness, and support from so many people has genuinely touched us. We may never be able to thank everyone for it, but please know that it has helped us realise just what an impact he made on this world in just 23 years. We have gained so much strength and pride from it.
"We now hope that the many memories Aaron has given us will help us through the challenge that we must now face together.
"Thanks Aaron, for the laughs, the tears, the smiles, the strength, the pride... for everything. Love, Mummy, Daddy, Ronan, Coilin, and Anna. X".
Mr Devlin had recently completed his Masters in physiotherapy at Ulster University at Jordanstown and had started his first job at the Mid- Ulster Hospital.
Tributes were paid to him from all levels of the GAA last night, including the association's president Aogán Ó Fearghail, Ulster GAA president Martin McAviney, Derry GAA, and the Gaelic Players' Association.
Mr Ó Fearghail said Mr Devlin "carried himself with distinction both on and off the field and the messages of support since he fell ill were indicative of the upstanding character that he was".
Mr McAviney said Mr Devlin "graced each field with his youth, talent and skill".
"That is how he should always be remembered; as a talented player who proudly represented and loved the GAA though his involvement at club, community and county level."
A league game between Ballinascreen GAC and Bellaghy was postponed last night as a mark of respect.
Derry GAA said the Gaelic games community was "greatly saddened" by the loss.
"It is difficult to comprehend the devastation that the Devlin family and the wider community of Ballinderry must be feeling at this time," it said in a statement.
His club Ballinderry Shamrocks said he will always remain part of the team.
"From the first time you pulled the blue and white jersey over your shoulders Aaron you were one of us, you will always be one of us," it said.
Mr Devlin's former university GAA club, Jordanstown GAA, said he was someone who would "light up every possible environment".
"A talented athlete, a character, a fun person always willing to help others. We consider it a total privilege to have known you Aaron and we are all the better for it," it said.
Politicians including sports minister Carál Ní Chuilín and the SDLP's Patsy McGlone also paid tribute.
Mr McGlone said the death was a tragic loss.
"The people of the area are completely devastated by this news," he said.
"It's terrible to lose such a talented man in every way with so much to offer.
"My sincerest sympathies and those of the entire community go out to the Devlin and Coyle families at this time."
Ms Ní Chuilín said: "It is difficult to believe that just last week he was lining out for his beloved Ballinderry and that now he is gone from our midst.
"The GAA playing fields will be all the poorer without him."
