VIGILS for Tyrone hurler Damian Casey were held in Spain and at his GAA club in Tyrone yesterday, where he was described as "a great hurler, but an even better person".
Loved ones gathered in Alicante for a vigil to remember the popular sportsman, who died on Friday.
Separately a vigil was held last night at the Eoghan Ruadh Hurling Club in Dungannon, where crowds joined Damian's family to remember the popular 29-year-old club member.
At the request of his family, those attending the 6pm vigil wore GAA jerseys.
A flag at the club grounds was flown at half mast.
Items commemorating Mr Casey’s life were placed on a table, including a hurling stick, Tyrone jersey and photographs.
A statement was read on behalf of the Casey family, which said: "Words cannot express how devastating the news of Damian's death has been."
At the gathering in Spain, Damien's friend Karl McQuaid said it was "important that we gather here today to try and process what has happened".
He described the Eoghan Ruadh player as a "fantastic wonderful man" and a "kind hearted".
Mr McQuaid said Damian was also "a wonderful son, friend, employee and we all think the world of him and will look after him until we can get him home," adding: "We are going to do that as soon as we possibly can."
Speaking of those who immediately assisted Damian following events on Friday, Mr McQuaid said: "Can I just say a special word of thanks to Katie, Jody and Caitriona, who were with us on the scene at the time and did their very best to get him right again but unfortunately we got him too late."
He added: "We are all so very proud to have had a friend like Damian."
At the Eoghan Ruadh vigil, Damian's Tyrone teammate, captain Conor Grogan, said: "Damian was a great hurler, but an even better person."
Conor added: "He was one of the most genuine fellas that I have ever met. I never once heard him say a bad word about anyone."
At both vigils, the Hurler's Prayer was recited, containing the lines: "When the final whistle for me has blown, and I stand at last before God's judgment throne, may the great referee when he calls my name say, you hurled like a man; you played the game."
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