Heartbreaking tributes are being paid to Paul Shefflin (40), who died suddenly while out for a run.
The community of Ballyhale in Kilkenny is said to be in shock following the sudden death of the married father-of-four, who is the brother of hurling legend Henry Shefflin.
Funeral details have been announced for Paul following his death on Friday.
He is due to be laid to rest following requiem mass on Tuesday at 12pm at St Martin of Tours Church in Ballyhale. The mass will be live-streamed on YouTube.
His death notice reads: “Deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Aoife (nee McCarthy), his cherished children Béibhinn, Odhran, Keelan and Ronan. His beloved parents Henry and Mai. His sisters Aileen, Helena (Cody) and Cecilia, his brothers Tommy, John and Henry. His parents-in-law Denis and Margaret McCarthy, his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, his nephews, nieces, aunt, uncles, cousins, relatives and many, many friends. RIP.”
Hundreds of touching tributes are being paid online by family, friends and GAA fans.
Those who knew Paul described him as a “gentleman”, “a wonderful person” and “a great friend”, who will be remembered for his “wit, charm, craic and generosity”.
One family wrote on RIP.ie: “Sincere condolences to Paul's wife, children and extended family on the sad loss of Paul at such a young age. Taken from you all far too soon. Our thoughts are with you all at this very sad time.God rest his gentle soul. RIP.”
Another person said: “Sincere sympathy to Henry and the Shefflin and McCarthy Family’s on the sudden death of Paul . The whole GAA community is thinking of ye all at this difficult time. May he rest in Peace.”
A third added: “May Paul rest in peace he always had a nice word for everyone. To his wife and children and his extended family my sincere sympathy and the sympathy of the entire county and beyond.”
Paul was a talented hurler, who was the Kilkenny Minor hurling captain in 1998 and played as a defender.
His club Ballyhale Shamrocks said: “Shamrocks GAA Club are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of club member and former player Paul Shefflin.
“Paul was an unbelievable player and won many County championships and Club All Irelands wearing the Jersey he loved. Paul was also a former Senior Club Treasurer and was currently involved in coaching underage teams and was actively involved in the Juvenile section of the club.
“Our condolences to his loving wife Aoife, his four children, his parents Henry & Mai, his brothers and sisters and the extended Shefflin and Mc Carthy families . May Paul RIP”.
Galway GAA, which is managed by Paul’s older brother Henry, said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s wife, children, our Senior Team Manager Henry, the extended Shefflin family & Ballyhale GAA community at this incredibly sad time. Thinking of you all.”
A minute's silence is being held ahead of all of this weekend’s GAA games in memory of Paul.
