Tributes paid following death of former All-Ireland minor hurling winner Luke Harney

TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to former All Ireland minor and intermediate hurling winner Luke Harney (33) who died in hospital yesterday after becoming ill during training last Friday.

Kilkenny GAA said that the father of two, who won an All Ireland hurling medal with the county in 2010 before securing a win at intermediate level six years later, was a “gifted hurler who represented both club and county with distinction.”

“He was a gifted hurler whose talent and passion shone through from a young age. Luke represented both his club and country with distinction, wearing the black and amber jersey with pride.

Among his many achievements, he won an All Ireland Minor Hurling Championship with Kilkenny in 2010, went on to represent the country at under 21 level, and later added an All Ireland Intermediate Hurling medal in 2016. His loss will be felt greatly in Kilmacow, across Kilkenny, and among the many friends he made through hurling.”

Kilmacow Hurling and Football Club said that there was feeling of “unbearable sadness” at the “terrible news” of the death of their “beloved team mate, club member and friend.”

“There are no words that will help at a time like this. Our thoughts are with Tash (his fiancée) and his two little girls and all his family, friends, and teammates.

As a group and a club, we will stay strong together in these worst of times. He was our leader, and we will miss him incredibly.

All Kilmacow club activity will be postponed this coming week until further notice while we mourn the loss of Luke. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Ferrybank GAA Club extended their heartfelt sympathies to Luke’s family and friends, to Kilmacow GAA and the wider community following his sudden passing

“Luke was a dear friend to so many within our club, and his loss will be felt deeply. It is hard to put into words the sadness we all feel. May he rest in peace.”

Luke, who was formerly of Grannagh, Kilmacow, Co Kilkenny but who lived in Ferrybank in Waterford died at University Hospital in Waterford yesterday.

He is survived by his fiancée Natasha (Tash) daughters Holly and Sofia, his parents Paul and Jacinta, his siblings Gerry, Shane and Jake and their partners, extended family, his GAA family and a wide circle of friends.

Mr Harney will lie in repose tomorrow at Donnacha Doyle & Sons, Funeral Home, Grannagh, Kilmacow from 5pm until 8pm. A requiem mass will take place at 2pm on Thursday at St Senan’s Church, Kilmacow. Mourners are asked to donate to the Dillon Quirke Foundation in lieu of flowers.

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