Gifted young soccer player Aodhan Gillen has lost his fight for life, weeks after he was seriously injured in a road traffic accident.
The 22-year-old Dundela winger died yesterday morning at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Tributes were paid to the former Newington FC and St Mary's club man who scored the winner for his team in the 2021 Steel and Sons Cup Final against Linfield Swifts.
His partner Laura Maxwell, in a post on social media, said she was “just completely heartbroken”.
She added he will be in her “heart always and forever…so grateful for the memories we have together which I will cherish forever”.
Aodhan was seriously injured when he was struck by a car early on March 14th at the corner of the Mallusk and Scullions Road in Newtownabbey.
He was in a coma for several weeks as doctors at the RVH battled to save his life. He died on Thursday morning.
The talented footballer moved from Newington to Carrick Rangers before transferring to Dundela in January.
In a statement, Newington said: “Everyone at Newington Football Club is devastated to learn of the sad passing of former player Aodhan Gillen. Aodhan was not only a great player but more importantly a great person who was loved by all at Newington.
"Aodhán's name will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of everyone at Newington Football Club.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Aodhán’s parents Michael and Margaret, brothers and sister Eoin, Cain and Corin."
His local community centre, Mayfield Village Hall, said Aodhan “will always be remembered as an unassuming gentleman with a kind heart, a beautiful boy from a beautiful family.”
Community Development Officer Helen Callaghan said: “We would like you to send prayers , healing and love to the family,his close knit group of friends and the wider community,” the centre added. A book of condolences will be available to sign early next week.
Dundela FC, in a statement, said that after joining in January “straight away his caring nature, and his friendly attitude made him a popular player with his teammates and members of the club”.
“Aodhán as many will know was a quiet man, but when Aodhan got a ball at his feet he became a different person.
“In the short time Aodhán was at Dundela he very quickly showed how talented a player he was, talent that was very evident as to why he got a move to the Premiership with Carrick Rangers.
"Aodhán was a throw back to the golden days of out and out wingers, confident on the ball, pace, and belief in his own ability, saw him dominate full backs in his early games, but what made Aodhán stand out most, was his determination to continually improve, and his unselfish nature. This is what made Aodhán so popular and liked by so many.”
The club “cannot fathom the unimaginable pain Aodhán’s family and friends are experiencing at present”.
“Our players and staff have been devastated on hearing this news. Having sadly experienced the loss of a player in the past, we as a club will provide all the necessary support mechanisms for players and staff going forward.”
He was a one time member of the Linfield FC Academy, which said he was “so young to be taken from us. Rest easy young man”.
The NI Football League said it was saddened to learn of the passing of the young man. “Our collective thoughts are with Aodhán’s family, friends and club at this extremely sad time,” the league said.
Carrick Rangers also paid tribute to a footballer with “exciting potential and hard-working attitude”.
“His positive personality and love for football made him a popular figure both around the Club as well as in the changing room amongst players and staff alike.
“He grabbed his first goal for the club in a cup victory against Banbridge Town in September before moving to Dundela in January until the end of the season to continue his development.
“The thoughts, prayers and sympathies of everyone at Carrick Rangers are with all of Aodhán’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.”
