Northern Ireland

Family and friends gather to remember talented GAA player Clare McSorley (18)

Clare McSorley playing the sport she loved.
Clare McSorley playing the sport she loved. Clare McSorley playing the sport she loved.

FAMILY and friends of Clare McSorley came together this evening for a short service of reflection to remember the talented Co Tyrone GAA player who died suddenly.

The service was held at Drumragh Sarsfields GAA club to offer support to those who knew the 18-year-old from Omagh.

The teenager was a popular member of the club, where she had celebrated championship success. She had also competed at senior level with the Tyrone Ladies Gaelic Football team from the age of just 15.

A former pupil at Drumragh Integrated College, she passed away suddenly on Tuesday.

A message on the Drumragh Sarsfields Facebook page last night said that the teenager's remains would be returned to her home at Willowmount in Omagh today ahead of her funeral, which is expected to take place later this week.

The club had said on Tuesday that "tragedy has befallen our club with the tragic loss of our beautiful young playing member, Clare McSorley".

Tributes have been paid to the young woman, who was described as a "lovely girl".

One friend said: "A tragic loss of life to such a beautiful talented girl", while another said her death was "absolutely heartbreaking".

Omagh St Enda's GAA club also paid tribute to the young player.

"It is with deepest sadness we, your neighbouring club, offer tonight our most heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Clare McSorley, a fellow ladies player for Drumragh GAA club," it said.

"Many of our youth were close friends of Clare's both from Gaelic football and as a past pupil of Drumragh College."

The club added: "Look out for each other over these coming days".

The teenager is survived by her parents Jackie and Tommy and sisters Ellen and Orla.