GAA chiefs lead tributes to McGuinness

GAA bosses last night led tributes to a talented young inter-county footballer who died after suffering a bang to his head during a club match.

Philly McGuinness was described by officials in Leitrim as the ultimate team player, loyal and dedicated.

The 26-year-old suffered severe brain injuries in a freak accident after colliding with an opponent during a game against Melvin Gael’s in Annaduff on Saturday.

He collapsed on the pitch, where his two brothers Michael and John had also been playing, and never regained consciousness.

GAA president Christy Cooney led glowing tributes from the close knit sporting community.

“Phillip’s passing is as untimely as it is tragic and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time,” he said.

“I know GAA members and people across the country were waiting for news on hearing of his situation and this news will be sorely felt in GAA circles, most notably in Leitrim.

“Phillip made a handsome contribution to both his county and of course his club Mohill in a life full of promise that was cut tragically short.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to his immediate family and to the wide circle of friends and players he came into contact with while playing both football and hurling.”

The collision was described as a freak accident a few minutes before half time as the player carried the ball and attempted to go past an opponent.

The well-respected player, who worked as a mechanical engineer, first played for the Leitrim under-16s 11 years ago before enjoying the last seven years on the county’s senior panel.

The family is steeped in GAA traditions with all three brothers playing for the county, Philly excelling at football and hurling and their late father Michael, a former county player, selected on the Leitrim team of the millennium.

Croke Park officials gave Philly a glowing tribute describing him as highly regarded and versatile and a key member of the Leitrim team in recent seasons.

“His death, as the result of an injury sustained in a club game at the weekend has left not only his family, his club and the people of Leitrim in deep shock but also the entire GAA community,” officials at Leitrim GAA said.

“’Philly’, as he was known was the ultimate team player, talented, dedicated and above all loyal. His death has had a profound effect in Leitrim GAA circles.

“However, his loss to Club and County is second to the void now left in the Mc Guinness household of his mother Phil, brothers John and Michael and to the extended Mc Guinness family throughout Ireland. To all of them we offer our sincerest condolences.”

A book of condolences has been opened on the Leitrim GAA website with dozens of tributes flooding the online message boards.

Mohill Parish Priest Fr Bernard Hogan said the community was left devastated by the tragic death.

“We’re absolutely devastated, we’re in a terrible state. All his young friends are in shock – to go out for a game of football and next to end up in such a state, it’s terrible,” the priest said.

“After mass yesterday all the young friends gathered round for prayer to try and make some sense of it all.

“He just loved football and loved games, loved hurling as well. It’s really tragic."