Tributes paid to young Derry hurler Aodhán O’Donnell ahead of poignant win over Mayo
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Tributes paid to young Derry hurler Aodhán O’Donnell ahead of poignant win over Mayo

PLAYERS from Derry and Mayo today paid tribute to young hurler Aodhán O’Donnell, who died suddenly this week.

Ahead of the All-Ireland Under-21 B Hurling Championship quarter-final in Carrick-on-Shannon, the players held a minute’s silence and displayed the 19-year-old’s jersey.

Derry ran out 3-15 to 0-18 winners on a poignant afternoon for the county, in which Aodhán was due to line out at corner-forward for the Oak Leafers.

The Na Magha clubman was reported missing last Sunday before his body was recovered from the River Foyle on Friday.

The PSNI said his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Derry GAA expressed their condolences before the game, saying they were devastated by the young man’s passing.

“Aodhán was a much valued team mate and hurler at both club and county level and will be greatly missed,” a Derry GAA statement said.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with Derry GAA are with Aodhán’s family, friends and club members at this difficult time.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”

Aodhán’s funeral is expected to take place on Monday at St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry City, after 10am Mass.

Tributes have been paid over the weekend to Aodhán, who is survived by his parents Gerry and Moira and siblings Sean and Ciara.