A YOUNG north Belfast footballer who died suddenly on Thursday has been described as a "true character" and one of life's true gents."
Francis McStravick, from Mayfield Village in Newtownabbey, died on Thursday.
A member of the Beann Mhádagháin FC 1st team, he was also a senior player for Pearses GAC in north Belfast.
Friends took to social media yesterday to pay tributes to the young sportsman, who was described as someone who had a "smile that would light up a room" and "one of life's true gents".
Beann Mhádagháin FC said on Facebook: "Sometimes it is nearly impossible to find the words. Today we mourn the loss of a brother, son, cousin, uncle & partner. Francis you had a smile that would light up the darkest room & you had it for everyone. We will all miss you dearly."
The club added: "The club has lost a true character but we have all lost a true friend. You are now at peace & our prayers & thoughts now go out to your family & friends. We all just wished you had spoke about the demons you had been battling. There is always someone willing to listen. A problem shared is a problem halved. #ItsOkNotToBeOK #YoullNeverWalkAlone".
St Patrick's FC added: "Its with deep sorrow that we learn of the sudden death of our former player Fra McStravick. Everyone in the club are in deep shock at the news. At this time we would say to all Fra's old team mates that we are here for you should you ever need to talk. #itsoktoaskforhelp".
Ciaran McCrea, club secretary at Beann Mhádagháin FC, described Mr McStravick as "a great sportsman".
"He was very, very popular with everyone from management right down to the new players coming into the club. He was always very welcoming to people. He was always smiling," he said.
"People are in shock. Everybody is devastated. We can't believe it because he was so popular".
Following news, the football club opened its doors to all those who knew Mr McStravick and brought in a number of community support organisations.
"As soon as I heard the news, we wanted to make sure, in case there was anybody feeling vulnerable, to let them know the club is here," he said.
"They spoke to everybody and then there was a counsellor here and he spoke to everybody individually.
"My saying is `A problem shared, is a problem halved' and it is OK to talk".
Requiem Mass for will take place at 10am on Monday at St Bernard's Church in Glengormley followed by interment in Carnmoney Cemetery.
