Cork sports star Emmet Neville dies

The Cork sporting world was rocked today by the tragic death of a 21-year-old basketball, hurling and football star.

Neptune, Glen Rovers and St Nicholas star Emmett Neville — who had a five year battle with epilepsy — was pronounced dead at the Mercy Hospital after becoming ill at his home at St John’s Square in Blackpool early today.

The promising athlete had just returned from a holiday in the Canaries and trained last night with the Neptune senior basketball team.

Team mates, mentors and work colleagues spoke of their shock at his sudden death and expressed sympathy to his parents Dermot and Marie and his sister Maria.

He was a prominent player with Glen Rovers and St Nicholas hurling and football teams. He last year captained both teams’ under-21 squads and won a county under-21 hurling medal in 2001.

He was also a vital member of the Neptune basketball team and had international caps for Ireland at youth level.