'A really talented girl': Tributes to Aoibheann Clarke, 16, who died after collapsing during football final

Aoibheann Clarke had been playing for Taghmon/Camross in the Girls Minor Division 5 Shield final in Taghmon, while her father was officiating as a linesman

Aoibheann Clarke, 16, who passed away during an underage football game in Wexford on Tuesday.

The 16-year-old girl who died suddenly during a ladies football final in Wexford on Tuesday evening has been remembered as "a talented young sportsperson who represented her club, school, and county with pride".

Aoibheann Clarke had been lining out with Taghmon/Camross GAA in the Girls Minor Division 6 Shield final in Taghmon when she collapsed on the pitch.

Her father had been officiating as a linesman during the game.

Witnesses reported there had been a clash of heads involving two other players, which initially captured the attention of those present, before it was seen that the young girl had collapsed at the opposite end of the pitch.

The girl was immediately attended to, and following several minutes of performing chest compressions, an advanced paramedic arrived on the scene with an ambulance quickly following within five minutes.

Gardaí and the fire services were also in attendance, while an air ambulance was also in the area. She was taken to hospital where she passed away.

Her mentors were reportedly unaware of any underlying medical conditions and described her as "a really talented girl".

Aoibheann was a gifted soccer player who lined out with All Blacks AFC and Wexford FC. Earlier this year, she helped Wexford FC capture the FAI Women's U19 Inter-League title.

LGFA president and teams pay tribute

Ladies Gaelic Football Association president Trina Murray said: "On behalf of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, I wish to express our profound sadness at the tragic passing of Aoibheann Clarke.

"Aoibheann's untimely death has deeply shocked the entire Gaelic Games community. She was a talented young sportsperson who represented her club, school, and county with pride, and her loss is being felt far beyond her native Wexford.

"Our heartfelt sympathies are with Aoibheann's parents, Carol and Declan, her sisters Emma and Aimee, her extended family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone at Taghmon Camross LGFA, Wexford LGFA and the wider Wexford sporting community, all of whom are grieving at this devastating time.

"Our thoughts are also with all those who were present at Tuesday evening's match and with the emergency services and first responders who did everything possible to help Aoibheann.

"To Aoibheann's family — may they find strength and comfort in the support of those around them in the difficult days and weeks ahead.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam."

Taghmon/Camross GAA said the club are "heartbroken by the tragic loss of a cherished member of our minor team".

"At this incredibly difficult time, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who responded so quickly and compassionately to the emergency.

"Our heartfelt thanks go to the spectators who assisted, the first responders, the ambulance service, Garda, and the fire crew for their professionalism, care, and support.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with our player's family, friends, teammates, coaches, and all who knew and loved her.

"We ask that everyone respect the family's privacy as they grieve this devastating loss."

Wexford FC said in a statement: "We are shocked and desperately saddened by the passing of former Wexford FC player Aoibheann Clarke.

"Aoibheann was a talented young footballer who represented our club with distinction during the 2025 season. Everyone at Wexford FC extends our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, teammates at Taghmon Camross and All Blacks AFC, and all who knew and loved her.

"Rest in peace, Aoibheann."