Well said.
Donegal GAA has been in mourning following the passing of their former goalkeeping coach Pat Shovelin.
Shovelin was part of Jim McGuiness’ back room team when the county won the All-Ireland in 2012, and was also a coach with Declan Bonner’s under-21 side this year, who made it to the All-Ireland semi-final.
The 41-year-old passed away on Saturday after a long battle with cancer.
The tributes poured in from all corners, with Donegal GAA delivering a heartfelt statement.
“Pat’s ability as a goalkeeping coach was obvious. But his personality and kindness eclipsed all of that. He was special,” it said of the 41-year-old.
The Donegal CCC postponed the games Shovelin’s club, Ardara, were scheduled to play on Sunday, and all other matches that did go ahead in the county paid their respects by holding a minute’s silence before the ball was thrown in.
Gentleman and a Hero. RIP Pat Shovelin. https://t.co/0DN3cVBccT
— Michael Carroll (@mcarroll97) October 21, 2017
The county senior league final took place between county Champions Kilcar and Dungloe, and the Barry Doherty managed outfit completed their League and Championship double with a 1-14 to 0-1 victory.
A visibly emotional Kilcar captain Paddy McBrearty captured the emotions of all involved with Donegal GAA perfectly, with a heartfelt tribute to Shovelin as part of his captain’s speech.
The Donegal star offered his sympathies to Shovelin’s family, and all those connected with him.
“Myself included, and a lot of boys involved with the Donegal squads over the years knew Pat well, and he unfortunately lost his life at 41-years of age last night. On behalf of Kilcar club, I’d like to send my sympathies and prayers to Pat’s wife and his two young lads,” he said.
Great touch: @PaddyMcBrearty remembers the late Pat Shovelin of @ArdaraGAA as @KilcarGAA win @officialdonegal league & championship double pic.twitter.com/L72u14K3Yz
— Alan Foley (@alanfoley79) October 22, 2017
Credit to Alan Foley for the video.
Fair play to him.
