Damian Casey was a star player for Tyrone GAA and the Eoghan Ruadh club in Dungannon
(Picture: Tyrone GAA)Tributes have been paid to Damian Casey after the Irish hurling star tragically died aged just 29.
Casey is believed to have passed away following an accident in Spain, where he was due to attend a wedding on Saturday.
Casey was a star for both Tyrone GAA at inter-county level and with the Eoghan Ruadh club in Dungannon.
The sport has been left heartbroken by his sudden death, which comes just a month after he shone in the Nicky Rackard Cup final win over Roscommon at Dublin’s Croke Park.
“This breaking news is beyond belief,” said Tyrone County Chair Michael Kerr. “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.
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.
— Tyrone GAA (@TyroneGAALive) June 18, 2022
‘D’imigh tú i mbláth na hóige, ar Sholas na bhFlaitheas go raibh d’anam’https://t.co/0WJyx8FJoP pic.twitter.com/tHpU3mPbyx
“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 statement added: “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.”
Players across Ireland are devastated for the family & friends of Damian Casey & for all in @DGNHurlingclub and @TyroneGAALive.
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) June 18, 2022
Damian stood out as a person & leader. On the pitch he was a magician of rare skill.
He was one of us. He was among the best of us.
RIP Damian x pic.twitter.com/x2H3c86mtZ
The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) tweeted: “Players across Ireland are devastated for the family & friends of Damian Casey & for all in @DGNHurlingclub and @TyroneGAALive. Damian stood out as a person & leader. On the pitch he was a magician of rare skill. He was one of us. He was among the best of us. RIP Damian x.”
MP Michelle Gildernew said: “There’s a heartbroken family & community in Dungannon with news of the tragic death of Damian Casey, a prolific hurler with @DGNHurlingclub and @TyroneGAALive. Thinking of his devastated parents and sisters, his family and friends, his teammates and all those who loved him.”
Damian Casey
— Ulster Uni Gaelic Academy (@UlsterUniGAA) June 18, 2022
We are profoundly saddened to learn of the tragic death of Damian, esteemed graduate of UU & Fitzgibbon hurler. We extend our deepest sympathy and offer our sincere condolences to the entire family circle at this very sad time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh an anam pic.twitter.com/9LpiRx19Yv
Ulster University Gaelic Academy said: “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.”
