'There are simply no words to describe the heartbreak of losing you': Tributes to 16-year-old who died during GAA match

Aoibheann Clarke, 16, who died during an underage ladies football match in Wexford on Tuesday. Many tributes mentioned her sporting prowess, with her uncle saying she was 'a real talent in the making'.

The funeral of a 16-year-old who died suddenly during a ladies' football final this week will take place on Monday as tributes continue to pour in for a "real talent in the making".

Aoibheann Clarke collapsed on the pitch when lining out with Taghmon/Camross GAA in the Girls Minor Division 6 Shield final in Taghmon.

A post on RIP.ie said the young talented player is the “beloved daughter of Carol and Declan, sister of Aimee and Emma".

It reads: “Aoibheann will be sadly missed by her loving parents, sisters, grandparents Billy and Pearl (Clarke), Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, extended family and friends.

“Predeceased by her grandparents Sheila and Michael (Waters)."

Her remains will be reposing in Ryan’s Funeral Home Wellingtonbridge on Sunday, followed by her funeral Mass at St Garvan’s Church, Caroreigh, Co Wexford on Monday.

'You were a real talent in the making'

Tributes have been pouring in for the young woman since the news of her sudden passing.

Her uncle Bill Clarke wrote on Facebook: “Words can’t describe how I feel now. My niece Aoibheann passed away last night after a match she had been playing. You were a real talent in the making."

Another relative, Leona Clarke, said: “Our beautiful Aoibheann, gone far too soon. 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 lived, 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.

'Rest peacefully, our gorgeous girl' 

“You will never be forgotten, Aoibheann, 16 years forever. Rest peacefully, our gorgeous girl”.

Loreto Secondary School in Wexford, where Aóibheann was in fourth year, said: “The school community is deeply saddened by the loss of Aóibheann Clarke, a TY student in our school. 

"We extend our deepest condolences to Aoibheann’s family, friends, teammates and all those who knew her. The school will be open to support members of the school community over the coming days."

The school's letter concluded: "May Aóibheann rest in eternal peace."

GAA and soccer clubs 'heartbroken'

Taghmon-Camross LGFA said that the club was “heartbroken” by the tragic loss of their “cherished member”.

“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 thoughts and prayers remain with our player’s family, friends, team-mates, coaches, and all who knew and loved her. We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy as they grieve this devastating loss”.

In a statement, Wexford FC said: “We are shocked and desperately saddened by the passing of former Wexford FC player Aoibheann Clarke.

“Aoibheann was a talented young footballer who represented our club with distinction during the 2025 season."