A leader on the field, a captain of our club... and a lovely young man

World of hurling shaken by onfield tragedy

- SYLVIA POWNALL

THE heartbroken family of Dillon Quirke last night paid an emotional tribute to the young hurler who died after collapsing during a championship match.

Dillon, 24, died after being rushed to hospital from a club game at Semple Stadium in Thurles on Friday.

He was stretchered off and received medical attention but was later pronounced dead at Tipperary University Hospital.

His death has devastated the GAA community and left his ClonoultyRossmore club reeling.

Dillon's uncle Andrew Fryday, who is chairman of the club, said: "He was a pure gentleman, a lovely, lovely young man who had anything you'd want in a hurler.

"A leader on the field, he was captain of our club team this year. He led from the front.

He added: "Dillon was the heart and soul of our club... he was our leading inspiration.

"As a family, we are all broken-hearted and devastated.

"He was an outstanding man who lived and died for hurling."

President Michael D Higgins mourned the "inestimable loss of the promising young hurler who had captained his club's senior team.

SHOCKED

The President said: "I wish to express my deepest sympathies on the passing of Dillon Quirke.