Tributes paid to Clare player

GAA:GAELIC PLAYERS Association (GPA) chief executive Dessie Farrell has offered condolences on behalf of the organisation to the family of Clare dual player Niall White, who was found dead at his home in Ennis on Monday.

A member of St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield club, the 23-year-old had been a member of the Clare senior football panel for three years and was also a talented hurler.

“Niall’s death has come as a great shock to the GAA community and players everywhere,” said Farrell in a statement yesterday.

“A talented young dual player, his loss to his family, friends and team-mates is unimaginable. On behalf of the GPA, I would like to offer our condolences to Niall’s parents, Pat and Mary, and his sister, Ciara.

“We would also like to extend our condolences and support to Niall’s playing colleagues.”

White represented his county in the McGrath Cup final against Kerry in January as well as the recent National Football League.

He recently rejoined St Joseph’s for training after recovering from an injury picked up on county duty.

Doora-Barefield club press officer Séamus O’Sullivan said: “The club is still in shock and coming to terms with the news. We still cannot believe the news about Niall. Such a young man, this is a terrible tragedy. He was so talented, a totally committed hurler and footballer. This is a terrible loss to his family.”

White’s funeral Mass will take place today at St Joseph’s Church at noon, followed by burial in Drumcliffe cemetery.