The parents of a GAA enthusiast who died on Easter Sunday in a quad bike accident are “devastated and heartbroken” at the loss of their 15-year-old son.
Gardaí are investigating the death of David Brown in a quad bike incident in Co Laois.
Emergency services attended the scene at a wooded area near Ballyshanduff, Ballybrittas, in Laois shortly after 2:00 pm. The incident occurred at about 1.30 pm and involved a quad bike with two males on board, gardaí said.
A second teenager was brought to Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, but his injuries are not believed to be life threatening, gardaí said.
The third-year St Mary's CBS student is survived by his parents James and Carmel, brother Conor and sister Sarah. He was a third-year student in Portlaoise CBS where he represented the school’s football and hurling teams.
Funeral details on rip.ie read: “Brown David. Heathfields, Dublin Rd, Portlaoise. Died tragically following an accident on Easter Sunday. (Aged 15) .
“Deeply regretted by his devastated and heartbroken parents, James and Carmel (nee Maloney Vicarstown). Big brother Conor, and little sister Princess Sarah. “Uncles, aunts, cousins. And his many friends in Portlaoise GAA , Laois GAA, St Mary's CBS , and The Heath National School. David will repose at home.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the incident.
Anyone with information or camera footage is asked to contact gardaí at Portlaoise Garda station on 0578674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
David was from a well-known family from Portlaoise. He had represented Laois in the Celtic Challenge hurling competition on Saturday against Kildare, and represented Portlaoise GAA.He was also a member of the Laois minor hurling panel that defeated Antrim on Friday.
The school paid tribute to David on its app this evening and offered their condolences to his family.
In a statement Portlaoise GAA Club said: “We are heartbroken beyond words. David was one of our very best and brightest. In football and in hurling. For club and for county. Vibrant, fearless, skilful, determined, proud – a shining star on every team he played for. Brilliant attitude and manners, always respectful to his coaches and his team-mates, always willing to listen and to learn.
“Already a hero in the eyes of so many of our youngest, David was a cast iron prospect for the future of our senior teams. It is difficult to process this. We will do our best to support each other over the times ahead.
“James, Carmel, Conor, Sarah – we are so sorry for your immense loss. We share your profound grief. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and the extended Brown and Maloney families.
“To David’s many friends, team-mates, coaches, parents of friends ... please stay close and connected over the coming days. “RIP David. Forever young. Forever a Star.”
Scores of mourners left condolences on the funeral website with Clonad GAA Club saying: “On behalf of all in Clonad GAA Club, particularly those who had the pleasure of coaching or playing with David in his early years, we offer our sincerest sympathies to James, Carmel, Conor and Sarah and to all in Portlaoise GAA Club. David is fondly remembered by all in Clonad.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brown and Maloney families at this time.”
Susan Bray, President Clontarf Cricket Club added: “To the Brown and Murphy Families. We wish to offer you our sincere condolences on David's passing. We know that he enjoyed playing cricket in Clontarf when visiting his cousins over the years. May he rest in peace”.
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