A RISING GAA star killed in an crash involving a quad bike in Co Laois will be remembered as a "vibrant and fearless" player, the teenager's club has said.
David Brown (15) died on Sunday following the collision at a wooded area near Ballybrittas, which happened at around 1.30pm.
He was one of two teenagers riding the vehicle when the crash occurred, and both were rushed to Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise, where Mr Brown later died of his injuries.
The other teenager involved is receiving treatment for non-life threatening injuries, Gardaí have confirmed.
A Gardai spokesman said an investigation into the incident is ongoing, adding they were appealing for witnesses to the crash to come forward.
In a tribute to David Brown posted to social media, Portlaoise GAA club said members were "heartbroken beyond words" at the loss of their member who, the day before the fatal collision, had represented Laois in the U15 Celtic Challenge hurling series against Co Kildare.
"David was one of our very best and brightest. In football and in hurling," a spokesperson said.
"For club and for county. Vibrant, fearless, skilful, determined, proud - a shining star on every team he played for. Brilliant attitude and manners, always respectful to his coaches and his teammates, always willing to listen and to learn."
The club said the teen was "already a hero in the eyes of so many of our youngest", adding: "David was a cast iron prospect for the future of our senior teams. It is difficult to process this. We will do our best to support each other over the times ahead."
The spokesperson said the club shared with David's family the "profound grief" of his loss, adding the teenager was "forever a star".
David's former club, Clonad GAA, said in a post: "David began his hurling in Clonad and we have fond memories of his time here. At dheis dé go raibh a anam."
A death notice said his loss was "deeply regretted by his devastated and heartbroken parents, James and Carmel" along with his "big brother Conor, and little sister Princess Sarah, uncles, aunts, cousins and his many friends in Portlaoise GAA , Laois GAA, St Marys CBS and The Heath National School".
