Meath GAA have paid tribute after the sudden death of one of their minor football stars on Wednesday.
Darren Connell, 17, has been playing for the Royal County since the age of 14 after continuing to impress for his club Oldcastle GFC.
Meath GAA wrote this morning: "It was with great sadness yesterday that we learned of the sudden passing of a young man who pulled on the Meath jersey as a county Minor this year and someone who was the pride and joy of his club Oldcastle GFC.
"Darren Connell was a young man who was richly talented as a footballer and someone who always set the tone with his work rate.
"A driving force for his club teams, Darren caught the eye when arriving into Dunganny a few years ago for U-14 trials and was a key member of the Development Panel through the years before progressing to the Minor Panel this year.
"Aged only 17, Darren’s brightest days should be ahead of him but now his family, friends and teammates, instead of seeing him progress in life on and off the field of play, have to prepare for his funeral.
"Darren’s life ended up being short but he packed a huge amount into it. We shall always remember the brilliant young man and young football player that he was and the delight everybody in Oldcastle took in seeing him being part of the Meath U-16 panel which won the Gerry Reilly Tournament on his home pitch in Millbrook last year.
"To Darren’s parents Jim and Vera, brothers Keith, Cillian and Ciaran, sister Ella, extended family and friends, Meath GAA extend our deepest sympathies.
"At dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Oldcastle GAA also paid tribute writing: "Like every other Gaa club in Ireland, Oldcastle Gfc has had good days and bad days. Days of celebration and days of sorrow. Today is one of the darkest days in our long history.
"Today we lost Darren Connell, at the age of 17. Darren was an outstanding young man, and an exceptional footballer.
"He has represented Oldcastle Gfc with distinction since he was four years old, and has been on the Meath panel since the age of 14. He was a member of the Meath team who lifted the Gerry Reilly Cup last year, and would no doubt have gone on to great things in the future.
"Oldcastle Gfc would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his parents Jim and Vera, brothers Keith, Cillian and Ciaran, sister Ella, and to all his extended family and friends.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
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