The Dingle community are mourning the loss of 14-year-old Aodhán O’Connor today after the teenager passed away last night died at Cork University Hospital (CUH) after sustaining an injury while playing for Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne against St Brendan’s College, Killarney on Wednesday.
It is believed that O’Connor clashed heads with another player while going for the ball.
According to Independent.ie, the Dingle native was taken for immediate medical attention and it is understood he was conscious in the minutes after the accident.
Aodhán was initially treated at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) but was transferred to Cork University Hospital (CUH), the neurological trauma reference centre for the south, as his condition worsened.
The Corn Uí Mhuirí final between Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne and Tralee CBS was postponed as a result of the tragic death with Kerry GAA, Dingle GAA and Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne all paying their respects to the teenager.
A post on the Dingle GAA Facebook page read:
“All Dingle GAA are truly saddened at the tragic loss of our young footballer Aodhán O’Connor. Aodhán will be deeply missed by his loving mom Áine, dad John, sister Ciara and all his teammates. All our thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with Aodhán’s family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Kerry GAA chairman Tim Murphy also paid his respects and said that the Kerry GAA community are deeply saddened by the Ó Conchubhair’s loss.
“On behalf of Kerry GAA, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the family, club mates, friends and teachers of the late Aodhán Ó Conchubhair.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of this talented young man. Words cannot express adequately the emotions felt by the Kerry GAA community on hearing this tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
“May Aodhán rest in peace.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
“Tim Murphy, Chairman of Kerry County Committee.”
Meanwhile Ó Conchubhair’s school inserted a black ribbon next to their school emblem in what is believed to be a mark of respect for Ó’Connor.
