A tight-knit Galway community has been left to deal with a "devastating and tragic accident" after an All-Ireland winning GAA player tragically died during a game with her local club.
Athenry is in a state of mourning after Kate Moran died having suffered a serious head injury during an accidental collision while playing in a senior Camogie game.
It's understood that Kate, who was in her early 20s, was hit by a sliotar and swinging hurley while attempting to block the ball during a league game against Ardrahan.
The game was immediately abandoned as three ambulances rushed to the scene to treat Kate who was then taken to University Hospital Galway - GalwayBeo reports.
The Monivea native was in intensive care overnight before sadly dying on Tuesday.
Kate was an integral part of the Galway U16 teams who won back-to-back All-Irelands beating Kilkenny in 2016 and Wexford in 2017.
She was also on the Minor team who lost to Cork in the 2018 final and as a sign of respect to Kate and her family, Galway Camogie has postponed all Adult and Juvenile games this week which will be rescheduled at a later day.
Paying tribute to their friend and club member, a spokesperson for Athenry Camogie club said: "This is a terrible tragedy for her family, our club and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events. Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Moran family and friends. Kate will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
"Kate began playing with Athenry Camogie Club at underage level and quickly progressed to Senior A level with great distinction. She holds a Feile, Minor County and Intermediate County title. She played in a club All Ireland Intermediate final. She won two All Irelands at U16 level with Galway, both titles she was incredibly proud of. She was a tremendous role model for our many underage players and a wonderful leader both on and off the field of play. Her bubbly personality will be remembered for eternity."
Councillor Albert Dolan, who attended both national and secondary school with Kate, said that the news has come as a "massive shock to the community".
He told Galway Beo: "I don't think that there are any words to express just how terrible this must be for Kate's family. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this tragic time."
Councillor Shelly Quinn added that the whole of Athenry is "deeply saddened by the news as a community".
She said: "It has taken all of us by shock. The GAA game ended in catastrophic results for Kate and it was a horrible tragic accident.
"Galway Camogie is one of the biggest GAA clubs in the country and there will be a massive community response to this devastating tragedy.
She added: "Kate was taken far too soon and our thoughts and sincerest condolences go out to the Moran family."
The GAA community rallied around the Moran family following the news with many leading tributes online to Kate.
One local Galway club said: "We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kate Moran, Athenry."
"Our sympathies extend also to Athenry Camogie Club, Athenry Senior Management & Panel and all in Galway Camogie at this very sad time
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal."
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