GAA community mourns Clare player White

The sudden death of Clare senior footballer Niall White has left the county and the entire GAA community in total shock.

White, a member of the Clare panel for the past three years, was found dead at his home in Ennis on Monday. Just 23, the defender had made a number of appearances for the Clare footballers this year, lining out in January's McGrath Cup final against Kerry and during the Allianz Football League.

A keen hurler and footballer since an early age, the St. Joseph's Doora-Barefield clubman had been working his way back to full fitness most recently after picking up an injury while playing for Clare.

Speaking to the Clare People, the club PRO Seamus O'Sullivan said: "The club is still in shock and coming to terms with the news. We still cannot believe the news about Niall. Such a young man, this is a terrible tragedy.

"He was so talented, a totally committed hurler and footballer. This is a terrible loss to his family."

Clare GAA Chairman Michael O'Neill and Clare senior football manager Michael McDermott passed on their deepest sympathies to Niall's family - parents Mary and Pat and sister Ciara - and friends.

McDermott said: "Niall was a young lad that we had on the Clare panel for the last two or three years. What you got from Niall was huge honesty and commitment.

"It's a tragedy that a life as promising as his was cut short. His family has suffered a huge loss and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time."

Niall will be buried tomorrow in Drumcliffe Cemetery following the funeral mass at St. Joseph's Church in Ennis.