TRIBUTES have been paid to a "richly talented" young Meath footballer who has died aged 17.
Darren Connell, who played for county teams since the age of 14, died on Wednesday.
Posting on Instagram, Meath GAA said it was with great sadness that it "learned of the sudden passing of a young man who pulled on the Meath jersey as a county minor this year and someone who was the pride and joy of his club Oldcastle GFC".
"Darren Connell was a young man who was richly talented as a footballer and someone who always set the tone with his work rate.
"Aged only 17, Darren’s brightest days should be ahead of him but now his family, friends and teammates, instead of seeing him progress in life on and off the field of play, have to prepare for his funeral."
Oldcastle GAA also paid tribute to the young player, saying his death had made for one of the club's "darkest days".
It described him as "an outstanding young man, and an exceptional footballer".
