Dillon Quirke's best friend pens touching tribute to Tipperary hurler

A close friend of Dillon Quirke penned a touching tribute to his friend as the Tipperary hurler was laid to rest on Tuesday.

Quirke tragically passed away on Friday night as he collapsed on a pitch in a Senior Hurling Championship game at Semple Stadium.

Thousands joined to pay their respects on Tuesday as Quirke was laid to rest.

And Seanie Nally, who is one of Quirke's close friends, penned a touching tribute in a heartfelt poem.

Tipperary GAA shared the poem.

6ft 2, eyes of blue,

A smile for me, and for you too.

You hail from Clonoulty,

You ooze green and gold,

All the fans in the stand,

Watch your talent unfold.

The Dan Breen final you scored 2 from the line,

The news got around 'young Quirke is sublime'

Tipp managers got talking,

A star has been found,

Get him into the Stadium,

No time to mess around.

You excelled at minor and U21,

But you've made it senior,

There's more to be won.

You took on the Deise,

You ran riot in the league,

You scored from all angles,

We cheered with intrigue.

No.5 was your spot,

You stood tall at wing back,

King of the skies,

Deadly in attack.

The field was your stage Dillon

And you're the main actor,

We all loved being around you.

Sharing the laughs and the banter.

We'll never forget the days,

We spent on the boat,

With your cheeky Quirke grin,

So innocently we'd float.

So much left unsaid,

So many seas to explore,

But now you'll grace heaven,

A young age of 24.

No time for more hurling,

No time for goodbye,

You've gone to our lord,

And only he knows why.

With a smile on your face,

And pride in your chest,

To the throne of heaven you'll go,

Wearing the Tipp crest.

Forever in our hearts,

Your fame and glory,

Dillon Quirke is the name,

Remember the story

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