Mother's 'heartache' over Cormac McAnallen's death

Cormac McAnallen’s distraught mother spoke today of her heartache at the sudden death of her Gaelic football star son.

Speaking for the first time about the tragedy, Mrs Bridget McAnallen said: “I probably feel more emotional today than I did yesterday. It just takes time to sink in.”

The 24-year-old Tyrone captain died early on Tuesday at his family home in Eglish, County Tyrone.

The death of the brightest young star has sent shockwaves across the Gaelic football fraternity.

Mrs McAnallen said she was amazed by the number of tributes pouring in from well-wishers.

“I knew Cormac had a very high profile before this and did seem to be universally loved among GAA people, but I did not realise how far and wide his reputation had spread.

“He was a lovely child. From the very beginning he had a very easy going manner except coming up to matches when he could be very tense.”

Tests carried out on the GAA star’s body have so far proved inconclusive and further tests were expected to be carried out today.

His remains are expected to arrive at the family home later today.