Carrick Rangers manager Stuart King has paid tribute to young soccer player Aodhan Gillen who passed away last week following a road traffic accident in mid-March.
The 22-year-old winger signed for Carrick last summer following his transfer from Newington before a move to Dundela in January.
“Aodhan was a credit to his family,” Mr King said.
“He was a really respectful, humble young boy. He wanted to learn, I was delighted he was able to come to a Premier League football club and that I was able to bring him to a Premier League football club — I know that made his daddy proud.
“He wanted to learn, he wanted to develop and he wanted to be a really good Irish League player and it’s been a really tough three weeks.
“I’ve got really close to his dad and his godfather We’ve had long conversations and we knew it was coming at the end, and it’s been tough and it puts things in perspective.”
Aodhan's funeral mass will take place on Monday at noon at St Bernard's Church in Glengormley following removal from the family home in nearby Mayfield Walk.
He was described as the beloved son of Margaret and Michael and much loved brother of Eoin, Cian and Corin.
Family friend Kevin Mooney set up a GoFundMe page which has raised close £9,000, far above the £1,200 target.
Mr Mooney wrote: "Looking back on videos and photos of his short but happy and fun packed life, he was a lad that lit up a football pitch by stepping over the white line and lit up a room by opening a door and walking in.
We all meet lovely souls on our journey through life and I can honestly say I had the pleasure of spending some happy times with this lovely lad, Rest wee man."
