Tributes have poured in for a 16-year-old girl who ‘died doing what she loved’. Named locally as Aoibheann Clarke, she died suddenly on August 4 during a GAA match in Wexford, leaving the community ‘in shock’.
Aoibheann, the daughter of Carol and Declan, was playing for Taghmon Camross GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) before collapsing during the Minor Division Ladies Football Shield Final against Ferns. DublinLive reports the match, which had entered injury time, was then called off.
Compressions were performed on the athlete while she was on the pitch. Gardai and the fire service were in attendance while an air ambulance was overhead.
She was rushed to the hospital by ambulance, where she was later pronounced dead. Gardai are treating the incident as a “personal tragedy”. As the local community continues to come to terms with the teenager’s sudden death, tributes and messages of sympathy have been shared for her heartbroken family and loved ones.
Local parish priest Fr Robert Maguire said: “The entire community is in shock. The community is rallying behind the Clarke family and will continue to do so over the coming days.
View 2 ImagesAoibheann Clarke who died during a GAA final
“It is truly shocking news and along with groups, the GAA and people, I would like to express my sincere sympathy to Aoibheann’s parents Carol and Declan and her sisters and extended family,” said Fr Maguire.
In a statement, Taghmon/Camross GAA, LGFA and Camogie Club said it is “heartbroken by the tragic loss of a cherished member of our minor team Aoibheann.
“.At this incredibly difficult time, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who responded so quickly and compassionately to the emergency. Our heartfelt thanks go to the spectators who assisted, the first responders, the ambulance service, Garda and the fire crew for their professionalism, care, and support.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with our player’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and all who knew and loved her. We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy as they grieve this devastating loss.” Taking to social media, a family member also paid tribute to Aoibheann.
“Our beautiful Aoibheann, gone far too soon,” the family member wrote. “There are simply no words to describe the heartbreak of losing you. You have left a hole that can never be replaced.
“You had your whole life ahead of you, and it feels so cruel and unfair that you have been taken from us so suddenly. May your heart and soul always be in the pitch, you live breathed and died doing what you loved.
“We will treasure every memory, every smile, every laugh and every moment we were lucky enough to share with you. You will never be forgotten, Aoibheann. 16 years forever. Rest peacefully, our gorgeous girl.”
Aoibheann was well known in sporting circles as a gifted soccer player and lined out with All Blacks AFC and Wexford FC. A few weeks ago, she helped Wexford FC capture the FAI Women’s Under 19 Inter-League title.
A book of condolences will open later on Wednesday at Taghmon/Camross GAA Club, where family, friends and members of the wider community will have an opportunity to pay their respects. Support is also being made available for those affected by the tragedy.
Ladies Gaelic Football Association president, Trina Murray said in a statement: “On behalf of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, I wish to express our profound sadness at the tragic passing of Aoibheann Clarke.
“Aoibheann’s untimely death has deeply shocked the entire Gaelic Games community. She was a talented young sportsperson who represented her club, school and county with pride, and her loss is being felt far beyond her native Wexford.
“Our heartfelt sympathies are with Aoibheann’s parents, Carol and Declan, her sisters Emma and Aimee, her extended family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone at Taghmon Camross LGFA, Wexford LGFA and the wider Wexford sporting community, all of whom are grieving at this devastating time. Our thoughts are also with all those who were present at Tuesday evening’s match and with the emergency services and first responders who did everything possible to help Aoibheann.
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“To Aoibheann’s family – may they find strength and comfort in the support of those around them in the difficult days and weeks ahead. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
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