Northern Ireland

'Special talent' of Damian Casey was clear before tragic hurler became one of the best players of his generation

Tributes continue to Tyrone hurler Damian Casey who died tragically in Spain.
Tributes continue to Tyrone hurler Damian Casey who died tragically in Spain. Tributes continue to Tyrone hurler Damian Casey who died tragically in Spain.

THE Ulster Schools GAA organisation has paid tribute to Damian Casey following his death in Spain, describing the Tyrone hurler as a "special talent".

Mr Casey died on Friday after collapsing at a swimming pool. The 29-year-old Dungannon man was in the Alicante area to attend the wedding of a friend.

It is thought his body will be returned home by the end of the week. The cause of his death is subject to a post-mortem investigation.

Since the tragedy, tributes to the senior Tyrone squad member have flooded in from teammates, fellow GAA players and pundits, with many regarding Mr Casey as one of the most talented players of his generation.

His skills were evident in his early playing days, it has been recalled by Ulster Schools GAA, which has paid tribute to the former St Patrick's Academy Dungannon pupil, and offered "heartfelt sympathy to the Casey family".

Speaking of Mr Casey, who also played for Dungannon's Eoghan Ruadh Hurling Club, a spokesperson for Ulster Schools GAA recalled his inspiring achievements as a young star in the making.

"Damian was a special talent. And this talent was recognised with an Ulster Colleges All-Star Hurling Award at Right Half Forward in 2011, while he was a student of St. Patrick's," the spokesperson said, adding that he had also won a Leopold Cup medal in 2009 and played a "key role" in helping his school reach the final of the Casement Cup in 2011.

"Damian was also an accomplished footballer during his time at the Academy," the spokesperson added.

"That Damian went on to represent his club, his county and his country with such distinction is no surprise to anyone who was privileged enough to witness his talents with his school. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal."