Wexford girl (13) dies after falling ill while playing Gaelic football

A 13-year-old girl has died after falling ill while playing football in Kilanerin, Co Wexford.

The community has come to a standstill following the sudden passing of Ciara Ryan of Cronecribben, Kilanerin, on Thursday evening.

She was playing in an under-14 girls football game with her local club, Kilanerin, in the local GAA grounds when she suddenly became ill.

She complained of headache, and was attended to immediately by the local doctor and paramedics until the arrival of the ambulance service, but was pronounced dead a short time later.

Chairman of Kilanerin GAA club, Fine Gael TD Michael D’Arcy, said the club and parish were deeply shocked.

“Those of us who knew her could not envisage that she would be struck down so tragically. Ciara loved her game of football with her friends and club colleagues, something she always looked forward to,” he said.

He said his heart and that of the community goes out to the family at this very difficult time but they will be comforted by the support and strength of all those in the area.

Staff and pupils in the local school expressed their sadness on Friday and said Ciara was extremely talented, both academically and athletically.

President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Marie Hickey, also expressed her sympathy.

“On behalf of everyone involved in the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, I would like to offer my condolences to the family of Ciara Ryan.

“This is a tragedy for the community in Gorey, her club mates in Kilanerin, the Gaelic Games community in Wexford and in Ireland.

“Our prayers and sympathies are with Ciara’s family who have suffered such a great and sudden loss. Ár dheis de go raibh a h-anam dilis.”