Tributes have been paid to a talented teen footballer who died in hospital surrounded by his family.
Wictor Samp, who played for Charleville AFC in Cork, passed away at Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin, Dublin on Friday.
Wictor, who had previously played for Arklow United FC, was remembered as a “lovely young boy, taken far too soon,” and for being a player who had “joy” written all over his young face when he scored from a penalty spot.
The schoolboy, originally from Arklow, Co Wicklow, was understood to have died after suffering an ongoing illness.
Charleville AFC posted a touching tribute online to the young player today, stating: “Sad news around our club this morning as a young member has sadly passed away.
“Wictor Samp first joined Charleville AFC in the 2015/16 season with our U12 schoolboys…
“Wictor went on to play for two seasons... at U13 and U14 level. Wictor played as a centre half most of the time but loved to play in goal.
“Every game he would bring his gloves just in case he was needed in goal.
“He loved to move forward during games also and the joy on his face when he scored from the penalty spot in a league game will never leave me.
“He was a great all rounder on the pitch and will be sadly missed by all of us and his team mates.
“He supported Liverpool and he loved to play Fortnite and Apex Legends online with his friends.
“R.I.P Wictor.
“A lovely young boy taken far too soon. As a mark of respect the club flag will fly at half mast in memory of Wiktor this weekend and a club jersey will be presented to his family.
“Sincere condolences to Wiktor’s mother Agnieszka, his extended family, his many friends, school mates and former teammates. You will be sadly missed by all here at Charleville AFC. Rest in peace Wictor Samp.”
Arklow United FC also posted a tribute to the young player online, stating the club are “saddened to learn of the passing of Wictor Samp, aged 16".
It added: “Wictor played with Arklow United as a goalkeeper up to age of U11 until his family moved to Cork. “Thinking of his family, friends and teammates at this sad time. RIP Wictor.”
A RIP notice stated the schoolboy had passed away “peacefully at Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved son of Agnieszka and much loved brother of Oskar.
“Deeply regretted by his sorrowing mother, her partner Mick, his brother, his grandmother Lucyna, aunt Katarzyna, uncle Michal, cousins, extended family & many friends.”
Fr Michael Murtagh said: “He was a young Polish lad. The funeral will be on Monday. It’s an awful loss.”
Wictor will be laid to rest on Monday at Arklow Parish. And in accordance with Government guidelines the funeral will take place privately but the service will be screened via webcam.
