GAA president in tribute to tragic teenage hurler

The family of a teenage hurler who collapsed during a match were today urged to seek comfort in knowing he died playing the game he loved.

The president of the GAA paid tribute to 17-year-old Liam O’Regan, who died while playing for his local club on Monday night.

Liam, a goalkeeper with Ballinora GAA Club, dropped dead 10 minutes into the second half of a game against rivals Kilmichael. His parents Michael and Anne were among the spectators.

Despite frantic efforts to save him by two doctors on the pitch, the teenager could not be revived. It later emerged the sports enthusiast had a history of heart problems.

Expressing his shock and sadness at the tragedy, Nickey Brennan extended his deepest sympathies and those of the Association to Liam’s family, friends and team-mates.

“Liam and all of the O’Regans had a deep love of Gaelic games and despite their huge loss, I hope there would be some comfort for the family in knowing that their son died playing the game he loved,” he said.

Mr Brennan said he was a personal friend of the O’Regan family. Liam’s parents had a long association with Mr Brennan’s own Conahy Shamrock’s club before moving from their native Kilkenny to Cork.