DJ Carey has reflected with great sadness on the tragic passing of youngster Harry Byrne last month.
The 13-year-old died after being struck in the throat by a sliotar in a freak accident while playing hurling at St Kieran’s College in Kilkenny, where he was a first year student.
Like DJ, he hailed from Gowran and was immersed in the local Young Irelands club.
The former Kilkenny star referenced similar tragedies that struck his own family, with one of his brothers killed in a farming accident, while his parents also suffered the loss of another child as a result of a cot death.
“It’s a very sad one,” he said of Harry’s passing. “Horrific. It’s my own club. I’ve been involved with all the underage teams.
“His grandfather was a great servant. He died the night before one of our own matches. He was the selector on our own team, James Byrne.
“The families are immersed. Nolans on the other side of the family, they’re immersed in Clara and the Byrnes in Gowran. So it was a very, very sad occasion.
“There’s very little words. Only life must go on. Jake, his brother, is involved with the Kilkenny development squads. Mam and Dad are very much involved. But I’m sure there’s going to be a very large void for a long time.
“I know my own parents lost two children at a very early age as well. I don’t know did they ever get over it. Life has to go on. I hope in time that they will be able to get on with it.”
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