Kerry legend Kieran Donaghy has paid a touching tribute to Red Og Murphy after the 21-year-old's tragic death on Friday night.
Donaghy took the time after his basketball team Tralee Warrior's victory over Neptune on Saturday to remember the young Sligo footballer.
He said: “I just want to send condolences from everyone at Tralee Warriors to Red Óg Murphy’s family in Sligo. And to Curry GAA, all his friends in DCU.
“We’re playing basketball here today and we’re stressed out about winning or losing or whatever. Ireland has never been better to reach out for help, there are so many options to do that. It was devastating news to hear this morning.
“I saw him play a college game one day and I was amazed by him. He turned down the opportunity to play professionally in Australia. Just from everyone in Tralee, our thoughts are with his family and friends at this moment.”
Murphy, 21, was studying primary school teaching at DCU, and his death has devastated the whole GAA community.
In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, his club Curry GAA, said: “This is a terrible tragedy for the Murphy family, our club and our community.
“We are deeply saddened by these events. Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Murphy / Lavin families and friends. Red Og was a member of Curry GAA club and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
“We have been in contact with his parents and they have requested that we all understand their need for privacy at this difficult time. Offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated.
“The clubhouse is open to all, to support them and to offer them advice and guidance. We would ask you to respect our privacy at this time.”
Sligo GAA has confirmed that all GAA activity in south Sligo has been postponed.
A statement issued on Saturday reads: “Sligo GAA is deeply shocked at the untimely death of Red Og Murphy. We knew Red Og as a public figure through his great sporting ability, but he was first and foremost a son and a brother. Our first thoughts are with his family and then his teammates, friends and clubmates.
“Our concern now is to respect the family's privacy and to support those who knew, played and worked with Red Og as players and coaches and in particular the community of Curry GAA club who will want to remember and celebrate his contribution to their community and their lives.
“For now all GAA activity in the South Sligo area has been postponed. Games elsewhere and the games involving county teams will proceed as we believe that where possible it is best to bring people together to meet, talk and remember within their normal GAA environment.
“We are very grateful for the support of our colleagues in Croke Park and in the wider GAA community over the past 24 hours. Og go deo. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.”
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