Leitrim GAA player dies of head injury

GAA:Leitrim senior footballer Phillip 'Philly' McGuinness has died after a freak accident during a club football match at the weekend. McGuinness was knocked unconscious when he accidently collided with the knee of another football while playing a club match for Mohill versus Melvin Gaels on Saturday afternoon.

The 26-year-old engineer was taken first to Sligo General Hospital and then to Beaumont Hospital but he never regained consciousness. He died at 1pm today in the hospital surrounded by his family.

Hundreds of messages have already been put on his Facebook page.

A statement from Leitrim County Board noted with “great sadness and regret” that he had passed away.

“His death, as the result of an injury sustained in a club game at the weekend has left not only his family, his Club and the people of Leitrim in deep shock but also the entire GAA community,” the statement read.

“‘Philly', as he was known was the ultimate team player, talented, dedicated and above all loyal. His death has had a profound effect in Leitrim GAA circles.”

The County Board expressed its condolences to his father Michael, a former Leitrim footballer, Philly’s brother Michael Jr, who also plays for Leitrim, his other brother John, mother Phil and the extended McGuinness family throughout Ireland.

GAA president Christy Cooney also paid his respects: “Philip’s passing is as untimely as it is tragic and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time.

“I know GAA members and people across the country were waiting for news on hearing of his situation and this news will be sorely felt in GAA circles, most notably in Leitrim. Philip made a handsome contribution to both his county and of course his club Mohill in a life full of promise that was cut tragically short.

“I extend my deepest sympathies to his immediate family and to the wide circle of friends and players he came into contact with while playing both football and hurling.”

McGuinness is survived by his mother Phil and brothers Michael and John, both of whom were playing at the time of the incident and who have represented the county.