Sad news for Galway GAA and the GAA community at large as up and coming young hurler Niall Donoghue died suddenly last night. He was 22 years old and was due to celebrate his 23rd birthday today.
Donoghue played at right wing back for Galway and his club Kilbeacanty. He was a prominent member of the Galway team that made it to the All Ireland final last year, losing to Kilkenny in a replay. The skilful defender had already won a Leinster senior title, a U-21 title in 2011 and was set for a promising future with the Tribesman.
There was a sense of shock not just in GAA circles but the country at large as hundreds of people took to twitter to express their sadness at Donoghue's death.
The Sports news seems very trivial & irrelevant today. Sleep gently, Niall Donoghue. RIP
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) October 24, 2013
Very sad news about niall donohue ! Thoughts with donohue family !
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) October 24, 2013
Woke to the terrible news that one of Galways young Hurling stars Niall Donoghue has passed away ...very very sad day ...
— Hector o hEochagain (@hectoron2fm) October 24, 2013
Niall Donoghue, RIP pic.twitter.com/c1868KYYKV
— Galway GAA (@Galway_GAA) October 23, 2013
Everyone at entertainment.ie send's their deepest sympathies to Niall's family, friends and team mates at this difficult time.