Leitrim footballer dies two days after freak accident

LEITRIM SENIOR county footballer Philip (Philly) McGuinness (26) has died following a freak accident on the pitch at the weekend.

He died at Beaumont Hospital yesterday afternoon two days after an accidental collision which happened while he was playing for his club Mohill in a league match on Saturday.

His Facebook page said he died “in the arms of his loving family, surrounded by friends and team mates”.

It went on to state: “His short life was defined by decency, honesty, an inspiring tenacity and gentle humility. To all who mourn Philly we send our sincere sympathies.”

A statement from the Leitrim Country Board described Philly, as he was best known, as “the ultimate team player, talented, dedicated and above all loyal. His death has had a profound effect in Leitrim GAA circles.”

GAA president Christy Cooney expressed his sympathies and that of the wider association to the McGuinness family.

The player’s death has caused a huge sense of shock in Leitrim, where his family are well known and liked in GAA circles. Philly was an outstanding club player and lined out at wing forward for his county.

His late father Michael snr was named on the county’s Millennium team and his brother Michael has played senior football for Leitrim since he was a minor. His other brother John plays for Mohill and has been on the senior county panel.

Both his brothers were playing when Philly banged his head against the knee of an opposing player while playing against Melvin Gaels.

He was knocked unconscious and taken first to Sligo General Hospital and then to Beaumont Hospital.

Local councillor and GAA referee Enda Stenson said Philly played football “with a smile on his face”.

“He was a happy man. There was never a dirty stroke. He played out of natural ability.”

Mr Stenson said the player’s untimely death was a “tragedy of huge proportions. Words can’t describe the feeling of numbness. A dark gloom has extended over Mohill and will remain over the whole of Leitrim for a long time.”

Gaelic Players Association chief executive Dessie Farrell said: “On behalf of our members I would like to offer our sympathies to everyone associated with Philip, in particular his mother and brothers. I know players everywhere are in a state of shock after learning that Philip lost his brave battle today . . . Philip had already made a significant contribution to Gaelic games with his club Mohill and as a dual player for Leitrim. May he rest in peace.”

Leitrim manager Mickey Moran said he was too upset to speak about the death of the player and would not do so until after the funeral which is due to take place on Thursday.

“The management and team’s sole concern is for the McGuinness family,” he said.