Kate was a 'brilliant' player: Country united in grief for Camogie player who died following match

Athenry Camogie Club said Kate Moran's death was 'a terrible tragedy for her family, our club and our community'

The death of the young camogie player Kate Moran, who was in her 20s, has stunned the Athenry region. Picture: INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Bank Holiday weekend joy for a GAA club in Galway quickly turned into despair when a young camogie player tragically lost her life following an accident in a match.

Celebrations were just beginning to start in Athenry after the club’s U-15 hurling and camogie teams completed a unique double at the weekend by winning the Féile na nGael county titles when the terrible news emerged of the incident in a senior league game in Ardrahan.

Kate Moran, whose dad Cathal, a former Galway hurler who was a mainstay of the Athenry team which won the All-Ireland club title in 1997, 2000 and 2001, had been seriously injured in an accidental collision in their game against Ardrahan.

Medical crews from three ambulances treated her at the south Co Galway venue before she was rushed to University College Hospital. Gardaí also attended the scene.

Prayers were offered at a special Mass in Athenry on Tuesday morning after news of the incident spread. The local community's worst fears were realised when 20-year old Kate, a Commerce student at NUIG, was pronounced dead.

The former pupil at Presentation College in Athenry was an accomplished camogie player who won All-Ireland underage medals with Galway in addition to numerous titles with her club and colleges.

The family run a successful auctioneering business and are well-known and well-regarded throughout mid Co Galway.

Kate was the eldest of four children and is survived by her parents Mary and Cathal, brother Thady and sisters Leah and Saoirse.

Tributes have been pouring in since news of the tragedy emerged.

“This is a terrible tragedy for her family, our club and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events,” said a statement from Athenry Camogie Club.

Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Moran family and friends. Kate will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

“Kate began playing with Athenry Camogie Club at underage level and quickly progressed to senior A level with great distinction. She holds a Féile, county minor and other titles. She played in a club All-Ireland intermediate final. 

“She won two All-Irelands at U16 level with Galway, both titles she was incredibly proud of. She was a tremendous role model for our many underage players and a wonderful leader both on and off the field of play. Her bubbly personality will be remembered for eternity.

“We have been in contact with Kate’s parents and they have requested that we all understand their need for privacy at this difficult time."

The club said offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated.

“The club is open to members, to support them and to offer them advice and guidance. We would ask you to respect our privacy at this time,” said the statement from Athenry Camogie Club.

RTÉ sports commentator Marty Morrissey told RTÉ radio that the people of Galway are united in grief at the loss of Kate.

"Our deepest sympathies goes to the family of Kate Moran. Mary and Cathall are steeped in hurling. Cathal was part of the Athenry team that won the All Ireland club in '97, 2000, 2001. Kate was a brilliant, brilliant camogie player.

"She won two All-Ireland U16 medals. Our deepest sympathies to her brother Thady and her sisters Leah and Saoirse following this accidental collision. Our hearts go out to everybody in Athenry because they will be heartbroken over this very unfortunate accident. And we pass on our sympathies to the Moran family."

'A role model and leader'

Fianna Fáil Councillor Albert Dolan of Monivea, who went to primary school with the Camogie player described her as a bubbly young woman who was talented at anything in life she chose to pursue.

"She was a model student. Growing up she used to Irish dance in Monivea and she was very talented in that as well. There is no doubt that anything she did she was very talented at," said the councillor, who added: "The public outpour shows the impact that her life had on the community and on everyone she knew. She was very popular. She was very well-liked."

Mr Dolan said told RTÉ radio that the incident is a "shocking" thing to have happened.

"A young woman with a bright future ahead of her. Just thinking of the Easter weekend there so many young people were out. They were enjoying themselves. They had a great time.

"Poor Kate was out playing the sport that she loved and this happened. It is just so, so sad. Cathal and Mary [Kate's parents] would have spent the last two years diligently fundraising for Athenry camogie to develop their new facility and to think that Kate will not get to experience those fantastic facilities that are going to be provided. It is so sad."

Galway Camogie also issued a statement expressing condolences on the death of the young player.

“Our heartfelt and deepest condolences to the Moran family, Kate’s friends and all the members of Athenry Camogie Club.

“She was a member of Galway Camogie underage panels and won two U16 All Ireland medals with Galway. “She was a role model and leader both on and off the field.” 

A garda investigation has been launched into the death.