Kerry stunned by second sportsman’s death in a week

KERRY has been stunned by the sudden death of another talented young sportsman.

Gifted footballer Connor Spellman, aged 29, died at his home at Ballycasheen, Killarney. on Saturday. It is believed that he may have suffered a brain haemorrhage.

His death comes just a week after 28-year-old Annascaul and Camp United FC star Brendan O’Driscoll was laid to rest.

Mr Spellman, a former underage star with Killarney Legion GAA club, had been a key player with Kerry District League champions Killarney Celtic FC and was widely acknowledged as one of the most influential local players of his generation.

He played a leading role at midfield when the club won the league and cup double four seasons ago.

Mr Spellman is from a well-known Kerry family who operated a successful sawmills business in Killarney for many years.

He and his wife, Michelle McCarthy, were married in Spain 14 months ago and have an 8-year-old daughter Holly.

Kerry GAA commentator Weeshie Fogarty, who trained Mr Spellman at Killarney Legion, said he was a brilliant young GAA and soccer star.

“He was one of the best underage players I have managed and trained,” he said. “When he was playing under-14 with us I was present at an east Kerry game and Connor scored 10 goals, all from play. I have never before or since seen this repeated.”

Mr Fogarty added: “I had come to meet Connor often of late years and he was an exemplary, lovely young man. He is a massive loss to his family. On behalf of our club I extend our deepest sympathy.”

Killarney Celtic first-team manager Karl McMahon said the tragic death has shocked the whole town and saddened everyone in the club.

“He was a great player. He was the first to arrive at training every night and the last to leave and he was a great example to the younger players,” he said.

Mr Spellman is survived by his wife and daughter, parents Michael and Noeleen, and brothers Glenn, Paul and Martin.

The previous Saturday Mr O’Driscoll was laid to rest in his native Camp after collapsing during a derby championship game the Sunday before.

Mr O’Driscoll was one of the star performers on the Annascaul and West Kerry GAA teams as well as the stand-out player with Camp United FC, having played at junior level for Ireland.