Girl, 16, dies after collapsing on pitch during Wexford club GAA final as emotional ‘gone far too soon’ tributes paid

A TEENAGE girl has died after collapsing on the pitch during a GAA club football final yesterday evening in Co Wexford.

The girl has been named locally as Aoibheann Clarke, 16, and a relative paid a touching tribute, saying: “There are simply no words to describe the heartbreak of losing you.”

Aoibheann’s club also shared their devastation at the loss of a “cherished member” of the team.

The 16-year-old, who lived in Curracloe, was playing for Taghmon Camross GAA Club in the minor division 6 ladies football shield final when she sadly lost her life.

Players and spectators did not immediately notice that she had collapsed due to a clash of heads at the other end of the pitch, the Irish Independent reported.

Once they realised, people rushed to help her and raised the alarm with the emergency services.

An eyewitness said that CPR was delivered to the youngster before paramedics quickly arrived at the scene.

Gardai and the fire service also attended the scene and an air ambulance circled the ground from above.

The young girl was eventually transported to the back of an ambulance and rushed to hospital.

Her teammates waited at the ground before they were told the heartbreaking news that their teammate had passed away.

In a moving tribute to the young Wexford girl, a relative said: “There are simply no words to describe the heartbreak of losing you. You have left a hole that can never be replaced.

“You had your whole life ahead of you, and it feels so cruel and unfair that you have been taken from us so suddenly.

“May your heart and soul always be in the pitch, you live breathed and died doing what you loved.

“We will treasure every memory, every smile, every laugh and every moment we were lucky enough to share with you.

“You will never be forgotten Aoibheann. 16 years forever. Rest peacefully, our gorgeous girl.”

In an emotional statement, the GAA club said: “Taghmon Camross LGFA is heartbroken by the tragic loss of a cherished member of our Minor team, Aoibheann.

“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 respects the family’s privacy as they grieve this devastating loss.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

Local Aontu Councillor Jim Codd, who said the girl attended the same school as his daughter, told us that “the community is devastated”.

He said: “She was a remarkable soccer player and a very talented GAA player also. She played with All Blacks AFC and Wexford FC.

“It’s beyond words, I can’t imagine what the family are going through this morning and yesterday.”

George Lawlor, Labour TD for Wexford, said: “My sincere condolences to Aoibheann’s family, her friends and everyone at the club at this terribly difficult time. May she rest in peace.”

Kilmore GAA Club and St. Anne’s GAA Club have cancelled their games this evening and shared their condolences to the girl’s family and her teammates.