Hurler, 18, dies in match

A YOUNG hurler died last night, minutes into a junior hurling final in north Cork. The teenager, a member of Glanworth GAA Club, collapsed and died shortly after being involved in close play.

The match, between Harbour Rovers from Glanworth and Newtownshandrum, was postponed immediately.

Spectators, who ruled out foul play, said the match was four minutes old when the incident occurred.

A GAA official said the youngster challenged for a ball with other players.

"There were no signs of any foul play. It was just another spirited challenge. One of the players suddenly came out of a bunch of about three or four, clutching his chest and fell to the ground."

A doctor tried to resuscitate the youth, named last night as Kevin Quinn, 18, from Glanworth.

A priest administered the Last Rites at the scene.

The boy's parents, who were at the scene, were comforted by friends.

A post mortem is due to be conducted today.

Cork County Board chairman Jim Forbes last night extended his sympathy to the young man's parents and family.

"My sympathy and that of the county board goes out to both competing teams and the young man's club mates," he added.