THE heartbroken family of talented hurling star Damian Casey attended an emotional vigil in Co Tyrone last night following his tragic death in Spain.
The senior county player, who has been described as one of the most talented players of his generation, died suddenly on Friday in Alicante.
Mr Casey had been due to attend the wedding of a friend in the Spanish resort, where a vigil was also held yesterday to remember him.
His friend, Karl McQuaid, spoke at the gathering and praised those who had assisted Damian saying they did all they could to save him following an incident at a swimming pool.
Post mortem results have yet to reveal the cause of his death.
Grieving relatives in Dungannon were joined by hundreds of people last night where, at the request of the family, they wore GAA jerseys to honour Damian's love of the sport.
The 29-year-old played for Eoghan Ruadh GAA club and was regarded as one of the county's best hurlers.
A statement read on behalf of Mr Casey's family at the Eoghan Ruadh pitch said: "Our hearts are broken.
“Words cannot express how devastating news of Damian’s death has been.
"We thank everyone for the support we are receiving from the local community and across the country. We ask that everyone avoids idle speculation and that we as a family are given time and space to process what has happened," they said.
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, a Tyrone jersey and photographs.
Plans are underway to return Mr Casey's body to Ireland.
A spokesperson for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust told the Irish News that the charity was assisting the Casey family.
Mr Casey's death came just weeks after he helped Tyrone win hurling's Nicky Rackard Cup following a final clash with Roscommon.
Tyrone county chairman Michael Kerr said he was “someone who brought honour, delight and simple, straightforward gladness to our whole county, and far beyond"
"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,” he said.
The Gaelic Players Association tweeted: "Players across Ireland are devastated for the family and friends of Damian Casey and for all in Dungannon hurling club and Tyrone GAA.
"Damian stood out as a person and leader. On the pitch he was a magician of rare skill. He was one of us. He was among the best of us."
Tyrone hurling captain Conor Grogan described Mr Casey as a "great hurler, but an even better person".
