FORMER GAA player Kevin Carey who passed away yesterday following a battle with an aggressive brain tumour has been remembered as a man of "courage and strength".
The 35-year-old, who was from Portglenone in Co Antrim, fell ill with seizures in July 2015 and was later told he had an aggressive brain tumour.
A civil engineer, Mr Carey was a member of Portglenone GAA and had played under-age through to senior level.
The Co Antrim man underwent extensive treatment including brain surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and further specialist surgery in London.
However doctors were unable to remove the whole tumour.
A fundraising campaign to help meet Mr Carey's medical expenses had raised more than £237,600 in the last nine months.
Just days ago however, it was announced that Mr Carey's treatment had stopped working.
It was said that the tumour had returned and "there is nothing that can stop it this time".
Yesterday morning, Natasha Carey announced that her husband had passed away.
"There's no easy way to say this.. my beautiful gladiator has been set free.
"Kevin fought the most courage fight to the end, and won, he kept his gorgeous sweet personality and will be forever young.
"There are no words. My everything".
Social media was yesterday filled with tributes to the former GAA player.
GEDA Construction, where Mr Carey had worked, described him as "an incredible husband, son and brother as well as a gifted and talented civil engineer".
"He will be sorely missed by all of us," it said.
"It’s devastating that Kevin’s life has been taken so early after the long and courageous battle he and his wife Natasha fought against his illness. Their strength and tenacity over the past 21 months has truly humbled us.
"He has had such a positive impact on our company in always striving for improvement and innovation, and we are particularly grateful for the patient coaching he gave to our more junior staff – they’re all so appreciative. We are incredibly proud to have known and worked with him. Rest in peace Kevin".
Another tribute read: "Kevin may you rest with the angels, an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with your remarkable wife and family".
While another added: "Kevin's courage and strength will always be remembered by everyone. May he rest in peace".
