An athlete has died in swimming pool accident while at a wedding in Spain.
Damian Casey was one of the country's best hurlers and now many have taken to pay touching tributes to him after his tragic death.
The 29-year-old died at a pool while attending a friend’s wedding.
Mr Casey from Dungannon, County Tyrone, was held up as a talented figure in the popular Irish sport.
The 29-year-old played for Eoghan Ruadh GAA hurling club and at inter-county level for the Tyrone senior hurling team.
Manchester Evening News reports the tragic news where Ulster University Gaelic Academy paid tribute to his abilities,
UUGA tweeted: “Our deepest sympathy goes to them, and our focus must now be on providing the support and comfort that will be so badly needed.
"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.”
“We are profoundly saddened to learn of the tragic death of Damian, esteemed graduate of UU and Fitzgibbon hurler.
"We extend our deepest sympathy and offer our sincere condolences to the entire family circle at this very sad time.”
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.”
Figures from the world of politics in Ireland lent their sympathies to the tragedy.
Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Fein leader tweeted: “The community in Dungannon is heartbroken with news of the tragic death of Damian Casey, a fantastic hurler.
"Thinking of his devastated parents and sisters, his family and friends, his teammates and all those who loved him.”
The player's death comes just weeks after he starred for the county at the Nickey Rackard Cup in Croke Park.
BelfastLive reports the Tyrone County Board, paid tribute to the respected hurler.
“Heartbreak and grief can come in many forms but are especially cruel when brought about by the sudden death of someone young, talented, outgoing and in the prime of life”, a statement posted on their Facebook page said.
The statement described how Gaelic Tyrone “is totally shaken by the news of the tragic death of Damian Casey, a supreme hurler just now at the peak of his powers”.
Tyrone County Chair Michael Kerr added: “This breaking news is beyond belief.
"Someone who brought honour, delight and simple, straightforward gladness to our whole County, and far beyond, is gone and it’s so hard to take in.
“There are very difficult days ahead for Sean, Susan, Louise and Catherine, for Damian’s wider family circle and many friends and associates, for his team-mates and for the Gaels of Dungannon and Tyrone.
“Our deepest sympathy goes to them, and our focus must now be on providing the support and comfort that will be so badly needed.”
The Board said that Damian Casey was “a special gift to Tyrone and to hurling”.
