THE family of a young Co Armagh man who died after suffering an asthma attack have been left in "complete shock", an uncle has said.
Tiernán Green (20) from Lurgan has been described as a "true gentleman" as family and friends spoke of their devastation at his sudden death.
A talented Gaelic footballer, he suffered an asthma attack at his Derrymacash home before going to bed late on Monday night.
His parents Stephen and Donna came to his aid and despite attempts by paramedics, he passed away.
His uncle Paul Green said on Wednesday that the family was devastated.
"He had been out with his mates and had come home and like any other young guy, he was going to bed about 1am when he took an attack.
"His mum and dad tried to help him. They rang for an ambulance and when the paramedics arrived they spent 40 minutes but there was nothing they could do.
"The family are devastated, his poor mother is inconsolable.
"You just can't describe the feeling...everyone is in complete shock."
Mr Green said "just by looking at all the Facebook tributes shows you what a popular young man he was".
Tiernán's girlfriend Lauren McGeown, whom he has been dating since they were 15, wrote on social media: "Asthma is not something that is talked about enough, because of it I have lost the person that I was supposed to marry and be with forever.....it is scary, it is horrific and it ruins lives."
She added: "Born three days apart in the same ward, in the same hospital, probably screaming and crying cause (sic) the other one was - we were just meant to be together from the start and we were supposed to be together forever".
A former pupil at St Paul's Junior High School and Southern Regional College, Armagh, Tiernán had left a job in retail and was due to take up a new post in security next week.
He was also a talented Gaelic footballer who had played for Sarsfields GFC in Derrytrasna in his teenage years.
They posted a tribute and picture of Tiernán on the U16 team as goalkeeper in 2011, saying their "thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends".
His death comes just days after Fintan McCabe (17) died suddenly in a freak choking accident at his Lurgan home.
