The Cavan community of Gowna is reeling after the tragic loss of underage GAA player Colin Madden following a hard-fought battle with illness.
Colin has been remembered in a series of tributes across the GAA fraternity in the Breffni County. His club Gowna shared the initial heartbeaking news.
It tweeted: "Today is a very sad day for the Gowna community. Unfortunately after a tough battle we lost Under-13 player Colin Madden. As a mark of respect all club activities are canceled until further notice. Funeral arrangements to follow."
Read more: GAA club lead tributes to 'warrior' Zak Moran after tragic death following brain tumour aged 11
Clubs across the football community in the county have shared in Gowna's grief at this awful tragedy.
Dromard GAA responded: "Dromard GAA and St. Francis Minor Club wish to extend our deepest condolences to Colin’s Mother Angela (nee O’Reilly), his father Seamus, and brother Caolain, the extended Madden family Loch Gowna and O’Reilly Family of Crott, following the tragic loss of young Colin Madden after a hard-fought battle.
"Colin was a true Gowna GAA man but we acknowledge also the deep connection that Colin has with Dromard GAA and our deepest sympathies go out to his many aunts, uncles and cousins who play and are involved in Dromard GAA at every level. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this extremely sad and difficult time.
"May Colin Rest in Eternal Peace. Resurrection of life eternal in Christ. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam."
Another message of condolence was expressed by Mullahoran GAA.
The club added: "Mullahoran GFC would like to offer our sincere sympathies to Seamus, Angela, Caolain, family, friends, teammates and all Gowna GFC on the very sad news of the passing of Colin. May Colin Rest in Peace."
Further sympathy at this unimaginably sad news came from Cornafean who wrote: "We in Cornafean offer our deepest sympathy to Seamus, Angie, Caolan and the entire @GownaGFC football family and community at this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May Colin rest in peace."
Arva GAA also threw their support behind Colin's family and friends at this dreadful time.
"Our club would like to extend our sympathies to Seamus, Angela, Caolain, extended Madden and O'Reilly families and the community in Gowna on the heartbreaking passing of Colin. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. May Colin Rest in Peace."
Read more: Female referees get the same abuse as males says leading GAA official
Read more: 'I see sports as the last great frontier for LGBTQ equality', says local drag artist
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
