‘Our hearts and prayers go out to the Hanleys’: Aussie Rules duo's younger brother dies

Tributes have been paid to Tommy Hanley, who has died, aged 16.

By Stephen Barry

Tributes have been paid to Tommy Hanley, the younger brother of Aussie Rules duo Pearce and Cian, who has died, aged 16.

Hanley died yesterday surrounded by his family at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, following a battle with cancer.

His brothers Pearce (28) and Cian (21) had been granted leave by their clubs, Gold Coast and Brisbane Lions respectively, to travel home.

Hanley’s hometown GAA club, Ballaghaderreen, paid tribute to “a wonderful young man who will be missed by all”.

Deepest sympathy to Tommy's Family. A wonderful young man who will be missed by all. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. https://t.co/uGxhJvbQqE

— Ballaghaderreen GAA (@Ballagh_GAA) March 28, 2017

Senator John O’Mahony, a former teacher at the Hanley’s school, St Nathy’s Secondary School in Ballaghaderreen, told The Mayo News, “There is huge sympathy in the club and in the area.

“A young person taken at that stage of their life is very difficult to get to grips with.

“Our hearts and our prayers go out to the Hanleys.”

A number of inter-county footballers also passed on their condolences.

RIP Tommy deepest condolences to @pearcehanley @cian_hanley11 and all the Hanley family. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 https://t.co/X0gyAqYIyL

— Conor.mortimer ⚽️ (@Conmort) March 29, 2017

Awful sad to hear of the passing of young Tommy Hanley. Another young man taken way to soon. Thoughts and prayers are with his family #RIP

— Cathal McCarron (@mc_carron1) March 29, 2017

All involved with #mayogaa offer condolences to the family of Tommy Hanley. A young man taken way too soon. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) March 29, 2017

Tommy Hanley’s funeral will take place at 12pm on Friday at St Nathy's Cathedral, Ballaghaderreen.