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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Marita Moloney

Family 'heartbroken' as tributes paid following death of talented young sportsman and 'loveable fella'

Tributes are pouring in following the death of a young man who was a huge part of underage GAA and soccer teams in Co Mayo.

Stephen Walsh, from Westport, passed away on Thursday, with his family "heartbroken" following his sad passing.

Stephen was a member of Westport GAA at underage level and captained the U16 team to county final glory in 2014.

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His family are also well-known in the soccer community, with his brother Conor on duty with the Republic of Ireland U17 team.

Westport GAA led the tributes, writing: "All in Westport GAA are deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden and untimely passing of Stephen Walsh.

"Living only a stone's throw from St Patrick's Park in Deerpark Stephen was heavily involved in our club at underage level, particularly with hurling, captaining our U16 Hurlers to win the county final in 2014.

"We offer our most heartfelt thoughts to his parents Martin and Margaret, his younger brothers Ray and Conor, and to his girlfriend Leah, extended family, work colleagues and many friends."

Westport Ladies Gaelic Club said: "Westport Lgfc are saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Stephen Walsh.

"We offer our deepest condolences to his parents, Martin and Margaret, brothers Conor and Ray and the wider family.

"We offer our sympathies to his uncle Des, his wife Deirdre, cousins Katie, Zoe and Cian. Deirdre is our club registrar and Katie and Zoe play for our club. We also offer our sympathy to Stephen's uncle Ray, wife Marie and family. Ray coaches our u14 girls and his daughter Caoimhe plays for our u14 team.

"Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Sligo Rovers FC added: "Everyone at the club extend our condolences to The Walsh Family, Westport on the sudden passing of Stephen Walsh.

"Stephen’s parents Martin & Margaret, his girlfriend Leah and brothers Ray and Conor, who is our Under 19 and first team goalkeeper.

"We will support Conor and his family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace."

While Westport United FC said: "Everyone at the club extend our condolences to The Walsh Family, Westport on the sudden passing of Stephen Walsh.

"Stephen’s parents Martin & Margaret, his girlfriend Leah and brothers Ray and Conor, our former underage goalkeeper now with Sligo Rovers and currently on duty with the Republic of Ireland U.17 team. Our thoughts are with Conor and his family at this difficult time."

Stephen captained the Westport GAA U16 hurlers to win the county final in 2014. (Westport GAA/Facebook)

Friends and members of the local community also expressed their condolences to Stephen's family.

One person said: "Such a fine young man ... always smiling ... a huge loss to his family, friends and the town of Westport ... rest in peace Stevie."

A second from GMIT said: "Sincere condolences to the extended Walsh family on the sad passing of Stephen.

"Stephen was a model student who constantly looked out for his peers and took his role as class rep very seriously by always speaking up for the class when something needed to be addressed. His presence in the classroom will be sorely missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis."

A third said: "To the Walsh family we offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Stevie. A friend a fine hurler and a loveable fella. We will miss you Stevie. Rest in peace."

Stephen will be laid to rest on Tuesday following a funeral Mass at St Mary's Church, Westport at 12.30pm.

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