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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Paddy Tierney & Sophie Collins

GAA star's body found on Galway beach as tributes come in for 'rising star'

The body of a young GAA star was found on a Galway beach last week and tributes have been pouring in for the young man.

Conor McCaughey was a rising star in Tyrone GAA having won the underage Championship and League titles in recent years and his death has left the community ‘devastated.’

The young man was also well known for helping his club, Trillick St. McCartan's, to the Scór na nÓg Table Quiz title alongside his brother Eoghan.

READ MORE: Cervical Check campaigner Vicky Phelan dies after long cancer battle

Tragedy struck on Tuesday, November 8, when Conor’s body was found at Silverstrand beach near Barna.

In response to this, his club cancelled all activities and led tributes to the young man who "departed in the bloom of youth.”

In a statement posted on Facebook, Trillick St. McCartan's GAC gave its condolences to the McCaughey family and confirmed the cancellation of all club activities out of respect for Conor.

“Our club is devastated following the sudden passing of one of our players, Conor McCaughey,” the tribute read.

“Our most sincere and heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Conor’s family Dermot, Bernie, Michael, Caitríona, Diarmaid, Seán and Eoghan, his wider family and his wide circle of friends.

“Conor has played for our club from a young age and has been involved in a number of recent underage championship and league successes. Last year Conor played a number of games on our reserve team.

"Conor also played a pivotal role in winning the Scór na nÓg Tráth na gCeist county title alongside his brother Eoghan.

“As a club we will try our very best to support the McCaughey family and Conor’s friends at this heart-breaking time. All club activities are cancelled until further notice.

“D'imigh tú i mbláth na hóige, ar Sholas na bhFlaitheas go raibh d'anam - You departed in the bloom of youth, may your soul be granted the Light of Heaven.”

On Twitter, the neighbouring Fintona Pearse’s club wrote: “All at Fintona extend our deepest condolences to the McCaughey family circle and to the Trillick GAC community following the unbelievably sad loss of Conor RIP.

"Just last weekend we received your hospitality. Little did we all know what the future held. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Several other GAA clubs from both Tyrone and Fermanagh added their sympathies including clubs Killeeshil, Killyman, Belleek and Tempo.

Fermanagh GAA wrote: "Fermanagh GAA send our sincerest sympathies to Conor’s family, friends and all in the Trillick St Macartan’s club at this very sad time.”

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