Galway GAA 'in shock' after death of Niall Donoghue

Tributes are being paid to 22-year-old Galway hurler Niall Donoghue, who passed away last night.

He would have celebrated his 23rd birthday tomorrow.

The Kilbeacanty clubman was part of the Galway side that won the Leinster Senior Hurling title last season.

He helped the Galway U-21 side win the All-Ireland title in 2011 and played in the 2012 senior All-Ireland final against Kilkenny.

Awful to hear of the passing of Niall Donoghue.At only 22 years of age another star of our games taken away tragically.May he rest in peace.

— Eoin Cadogan (@cads3) October 23, 2013

Galway CEO John Hynes said: "Galway GAA is in shock this morning with the news of the tragic, and untimely, death of Niall Donoghue.

"On behalf of the entire Galway GAA community, at home and abroad, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Niall’s family and especially to his father Francis, brother Shane, sister Orla, uncles, aunts and all his relatives.

"We offer our deepest condolences also to all the members of Niall’s Club and Parish, Kilbeacanty, to his fellow inter-county panellists on the Galway hurling team and to his many friends and colleagues.

"Ar Dheis Lámh Dé, go raibh a Anam Uasal Dílís."