The GAA community in Tyrone and beyond has been plunged into mourning following the news that hurling star Damian Casey has died in a tragic accident in Spain, aged 28.
It is understood he was in Spain attending the wedding of a friend when it is believed that he had an accident at a pool. The wedding, which was due to take place today (Saturday) has been cancelled.
Damian Casey was the talisman of the Tyrone side who clinched Nickey Rackard Cup honours with a 1-21 to 0-19 victory over Roscommon in Croke Park.
The Dungannon native was captain of the Red Hands when they lost out to Mayo in last year’s Rackard Cup decider, but his stunning 0-14 haul ensured Tyrone won the All-Ireland title this season.
The Eoghan Ruadh ace played over 100 times at inter-county level since making his debut back in 2012. Since then, he maintained a remarkable feat of individual brilliance by starting and scoring in every single game Tyrone senior hurlers have played over the last 10 years.
Last night, Tyrone GAA issued a statement which read: "Heartbreak and grief can come in many forms but are especially cruel when brought about by the sudden death of someone young, talented, outgoing and in the prime of life
"Accordingly, Gaelic Tyrone is totally shaken by the news of the tragic death of Damian Casey, a supreme hurler just now at the peak of his powers."
Tyrone GAA chairman Michael Kerr added: "This breaking news is beyond belief.
“Someone who brought honour, delight and simple, straightforward gladness to our whole County, and far beyond, is gone and it’s so hard to take in.
“There are very difficult days ahead for Sean, Susan, Louise and Catherine, for Damian’s wider family circle and many friends and associates, for his team-mates and for the Gaels of Dungannon and Tyrone.
“Our deepest sympathy goes to them, and our focus must now be on providing the support and comfort that will be so badly needed."
Over the last decade, Damian Casey has been one of the most prolific hurlers in Ireland, notching over 1,000 points between League and Championship games.
At club level, he won four Tyrone Senior Championship titles with Eoghan Ruadh with their last Benburb Cup success coming in 2019 when they came desperately close to provincial glory.
In Celtic Park, Casey landed a free in extra-time to bring the Ulster Intermediate Club Final to a penalty shoot-out, but St Enda’s of Antrim won 1-0 to take the title.
His exploits for Tyrone earned him national recognition in the former of six All-Star awards at various levels and was named the Nickey Rackard Player of the Year when Tyrone previously won the title back in 2014.
He also represented Ireland in the Shinty-Hurling series in 2018 while he also played for Ulster in the 2015 Railway Cup.
Overnight, the Eoghan Ruadh club updated their Twitter profile to include a photo of Damian Casey in the club's jersey.
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