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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Sam Roberts

Tributes pour in for 'beautiful' Irish teen after sudden death aged just 14

Tributes have been pouring in for a "beautiful" Irish teen who died suddenly at the age of just 14.

Ryan Whelan-Griffin, who lived in the Duleek area of Co Meath, passed away last week.

And tributes have been pouring in for the young teen after his tragic death last Wednesday.

Premier Division side Drogheda United FC were among those to pay tribute to one of their "great young fans".

They wrote on Facebook: "Everyone at Drogheda United is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of our great young fans, Ryan Whelan Griffin, son of former club director and licensing officer, Shane Griffin.

"Our hearts go out to Shane and his family. Rest In Peace Ryan."

While a local mourner added: "To Ryan’s Mum, Dad, brother, family & friends… I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. I will keep Ryan and his family & friends in my thoughts and prayers for a very long time. May his soul rest in peace."

And Ryan's local side Duleek Schoolboys and Girls Football Club also hailed the "accomplished player", confirming that the club would be postponing all activities until Tuesday as a mark of respect.

Ryan Whelan-Griffin (RIP.ie)

They wrote: "Duleek Schoolboys and Girls Football Club wish to express their condolences to the Griffin and Whelan families on the passing of Ryan.

"Ryan was a member of the club from a very young age coming through the academy and playing in various teams up through the ranks including Duleek Rockets, Duleek Tigers and most recently one of our two U15 teams.

"He was guided along the way by his dad Shane who has served the club as a coach for over eight years, currently lead coach with the U15 side that Ryan was a part of.

"Ryan was an accomplished player both as an outfielder and a goalkeeper and indeed played a starring role in goals when the Duleek Tigers won the U8 Drogheda League Shield in 2015 beating Drogheda Boys in the final on penalties. Ryan saved two penalties in the shoot out.

"Our thoughts are with his mum Rebecca, dad Shane, little brother Dylan, his family and friends including his past and present team mates and coaches.

"As a mark of respect all club activities are cancelled until next Tuesday."

And Ryan's family have confirmed that the teenager will be laid to rest in a funeral service in Duleek on Monday.

A post on RIP.ie reads: "Ryan, beloved son of Rebecca and Shane and loving brother to Dylan. Very sadly missed by his heart broken parents, brother, grandparents Joe, Eibhlín and Joe. Predeceased by his granny Ange. Dearly missed by aunts Sophia and Nicola, uncles Mark and Niall. Cousins Chloe and Conall. His dog Bailey. His friends, team and class mates.

"Rest In Peace.

"Reposing at his home on Saturday and Sunday from 4 o’clock until 8 o’clock. Funeral Mass on Monday morning at 11 o’clock in St. Cianan’s Church, Duleek."

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