Northern Ireland

Tributes paid to GAA star Aaron Devlin who has died aged 23

Aaron Devlin in action with his club Ballinderry Shamrocks
Aaron Devlin in action with his club Ballinderry Shamrocks Aaron Devlin in action with his club Ballinderry Shamrocks
By Connla Young

TRIBUTES are being paid on social media to Derry Gaelic footballer Aaron Devlin who has died.

The 23-year-old died on Thursday just days after being struck down by a deadly form of meningitis.

The Ballinderry Shamrocks and Derry star was rushed to Antrim Area Hospital last Friday after becoming unwell.

His parents Eugene and Carmel, sister Anna and brothers Ronan and Coilin, who have also played for Ballinderry, maintained a beside vigil throughout his short illness.

The Devlin family in happier times celebrating @BallinderryGAC triumphs. We ask everyone to pray for them tonight. pic.twitter.com/BvS7n9pJhJ

In a statement his family said 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.”

Special Masses and prayers had been said in Ballinderry and neighbouring parishes as the community rallied to support the Devlin family.

Well known in GAA circles across the north, Mr Devlin had played for Ballinderry at all levels and was a regular in the club’s senior team.

His death has been met with shock throughout the GAA community.

Association president Aogán Ó Fearghail said the young player had “carried himself with distinction both on and off the filed and the messages of support since he fell ill were indicative of the upstanding character that he was”.

Mr Devlin had recently completed a Masters in physiotherapy at Ulster University at Jordanstown and had started his first job at the Mid Ulster Hospital.

News of the footballer’s death has stunned sporting stars from the world of GAA and other codes.

Derry native James McClean, who plays for West Bromwich and the Republic of Ireland, offered his sympathies to the dead man’s family.

His shock was echoed by former Celtic and Wales star John Hartson.

Former Derry GAA star turned pundit Paddy Bradley offered his support to the family

His sentiments were shared by ex Armagh player and Crossmaglen stalwart Aaron Kernan.

Ballinderry great Adrian McGuckin spoke fondly of his former clubman.

Politicians including sports minister Carál Ní Chuilín have also paid tribute.

SDLP assemblyman Patsy McGlone, who lives in Ballinderry, said people in the area are “completely devastated”.

“It’s terrible to lose such a talented man in every way with so much to offer,” he said.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness added his sympathies.