Northern Ireland

Friends tell of how they did their best to save Damian Casey's life as vigils take place in Spain and Tryone

Damian Casey who died in Spain
Damian Casey who died in Spain Damian Casey who died in Spain

FRIENDS of tragic Tyrone hurling star Damian Casey have told of how they did their best to save his life.

The 29-year-old is understood to have died suddenly on Friday while attending the wedding of a friend in the Spanish resort of Alicante.

The cause of his death is still being investigated.

The untimely death of Mr Casey, who is regarded as the most talented hurler of his generation in Tyrone, has sent shockwaves across the GAA world.

He played for Eoghan Ruadh GAA club in Dungannon and at inter-county level for Tyrone senior hurling team where he recently helped his county lift the Nicky Rackard Cup playing a starring role.

The team's manager Michael McShane described Mr Casey as a true gentleman and one of the finest players he had managed. He said the team was "rocked to our very core"

Hundreds of people wearing Gaelic jerseys attended a vigil in his memory Eoghan Ruadh Hurling club in Dungannon last night.

Mr Casey had travelled to Spain to attend the wedding of his friend and fellow Dungannon man Ben McQuaid and was due to act as groomsman.

It is thought he died following an accident at a swimming pool.

Mr McQuaid's brother Karl revealed on Facebook how everything was done to try and save Mr Casey's life.

"We as a family are utterly devastated by Damian’s tragic and sudden passing," he said.

"We did our very best to try and save Damian, but it was too late."

He revealed how the loyal friends have remained at his side.

"Ben and I are staying with Damian and would like to assure his family and friends that we will be taking him home as soon as we possibly can," he said.

"God bless his gentle soul."

It is understood that the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is helping the Casey family with arrangements to bring him home.

In a statement last night Eoghan Rua Hurling Club spoke of its devastation and said the club's thoughts are with his family.

"No amount of words can fully express the depth of their and our despair at this awful time, nor can any amount of words fully capture what Damian meant to his family, his club Eoghan Ruadh and GAA in Tyrone and beyond," it said.

The club described Mr Casey as a "unique talent" who was "blessed with modesty beyond belief".

In a statement Tyrone GAA said they were "totally shaken" by the news, describing Mr Casey as "a supreme hurler... at the peak of his powers".

Tyrone county chair Michael Kerr said: “Someone who brought honour, delight and simple, straightforward gladness to our whole County, and far beyond, is gone and it’s so hard to take in.”

"Damian Casey was a special gift to Tyrone and to hurling. We were the richer for his presence and are the poorer for his passing."

Dungannon based councillor Barry Monteith, who knows the Casey family, also paid tribute.

"Damian Casey was the best of us," he said.

"He had time for everyone and a smile was never far from his face.

"I feel privileged to have known him. He was a credit to his family, his friends, his club and our town."

"Damian was a great among us and Tyrone's greatest ever hurler.

"We are honoured to have shared his time with us in Dungannon and Tyrone."

Mr Monteith offered his sympathies to his father Seán, mother Susan and sisters Louise and Catherine.

"We hold you all close in our hearts," he added.

Thomas Clarke GFC in Dungannon also spoke highly of their former player.

Mr Casey's father Sean is a former captain of the club.

"Damian was a former player with the Clarkes and was an extremely popular member of our club for many years, though it was as a hurler that he truly made his name, going on to be recognised as one of the best players to ever grace our ancient game," it said.

"For years we have proudly watched Damian deliver heroic displays for Tyrone and his club Eoghan Ruadh, lighting up countless games with his skill, passion and leadership."

The club added spoke of Mr Casey's standing in the community.

"Damian was truly a champion, and conducted himself as one both on and off the pitch," it said.

"He was much loved and hugely respected by everyone who knew him, and his passing is a terrible loss to our community."

Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew described Mr Casey as "possibly the best hurler ever in Tyrone".

“I have spoken to his family and club to offer my sincerest condolences and support to them and all of Damien’s friends and teammates at this sad time," she said.