A football club and the local community in Strabane have been ‘numbed’ after the tragic death of player Rory Carlin.
The Strabane Athletic player died suddenly just hours after the club had won the North West Saturday Morning League.
Club PRO Paddy McGarrigle said Rory had just celebrated his 22nd birthday and will be a major loss to the club.
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“He was a popular young lad with his fellow players, he was a very regular member of the squad,” Paddy told Belfast Live.
“He was popular both in playing terms and socially.
“It was just the suddenness of it. One minute he was getting a photograph taken on Saturday morning with the winning squad, and a matter of hours later he’s gone.
“That sort of suddenness has just contributed to the total shock and numbness that we feel in the club and in the community.
“His friends will remember him as a very bubbly, funny and just a good character. He was good company and very popular.”
The club has cancelled its senior games and training this week as a mark of respect following Rory’s death.
In a post on social media, the club described receiving the news of the death as one of the saddest in the club’s history.
“Today is one of the saddest in the short history of the Club with the news that our player Rory Carlin has passed away,” the post said.
“Rory was a member of the Championship winning Saturday Morning League squad and now hours later we hear this devastating news.
“There are no words we can offer to Rory’s family only our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy. Everything pales into insignificance when a young life is lost.
“Rory will never be forgotten by a deeply shocked Strabane Afc. His manager, coaches and fellow players are numbed by this awful tragedy.”
The club’s manager Marcel Griffin said he was devastated to hear of the young player’s loss.
“I am absolutely devastated to hear of the terrible sad loss of one of my Strabane Athletic Sat Morn squad members. Yesterday saw us win the league title and we celebrated last night with a trip to Donegal Town.
“Rory Carlin you would've been proud and should've been there. You helped us achieve this accolade, for that we all are grateful.
“Words mean nothing now. To your mum, dad, bothers and wider family circle and close friends I am so so sorry for your loss.
“You were a genuine, polite and lovable lad and you weren't a bad baller on your day as well. Your presence will be sadly missed.”
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