'Immense sorrow' after sudden death of 'shining star' GAA player, 22, with family left 'heartbroken' as tributes pour in

She is being remembered as a "cherished teammate"

TRAGIC LOSS ‘Immense sorrow’ after sudden death of ‘shining star’ GAA player, 22, with family left ‘heartbroken’ as tributes pour in

HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a "shining star" GAA player who died suddenly in Tipperary over the weekend.

Aoife Shelly, 22, from Clonakenny in Roscrea, passed away on March 31 due to a health condition.

2 Tributes have poured in for tragic Aoife Shelly Credit: EJ Grey

Aoife, who is survived by her mum Claire, dad Joe and brother Eoghan, was a student at the University of Limerick.

And she was a talented GAA footballer who played for the Moyne Templetuohy ladies junior side.

Aoife had helped the club to win the county Junior A title last year.

She also played a major part in U14 and U16 county teams and was part of various county development squads over the years.

Her death notice online reads: "To the inexpressible grief of her heartbroken mother Claire, dad Joe, brother Eoghan.

"Grandparents Tom, Anne Hassett and Eileen, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and a very large circle of friends.

"May Aoife rest in peace."

The young footballer was a "proud member" of the wider Tipperary LGFA community and is being remembered as a "cherished teammate".

Taking to Facebook, her club said: "It is with immense sorrow and heartbreak that we share the devastating news of the passing of Aoife Shelly, a shining star of Moyne Templetuohy Ladies Football Club, who left us far too soon at just 22 years of age.

"Aoife wasn’t just a talented footballer — she was a cherished teammate, a loyal friend, and a proud member of the wider Tipperary LGFA community.

'CHERISHED TEAMMATE'

"Her passion, kindness, and radiant spirit lit up every pitch she stepped onto. Number 15 on the field, but number 1 in the hearts of so many."

The club added: "Aoife's success at club level can be measured a lot more than by all the medals she won with Moyne Templetuohy over the years. If she wasn't playing in a game, she was always present at games, encouraging her clubmates.

"This loss cuts deeply through our clubs, schools, families, and communities. As we try to come to terms with the pain, we hold Aoife’s family, teammates, coaches, and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.

'DIFFICULT TIME'

"No words will ever be enough, but we hope the love and support of the community brings even a small measure of comfort in this incredibly difficult time."

The sudden loss of Aoife has sent shockwaves through the local community, with emotional tributes pouring in from friends, neighbours and acquaintances online.

One said: "We express our deepest sympathies to Claire, Joe and Eoghan at this awful time, also to grandparents Tom, Anne and Eileen and to all the extended Shelly and Hassett family.

"Our condolences to all Aoife’s friends and we are especially thinking of all her teammates in Moyne Templetuohy LGFA and Templemore Camogie Club.

'FABULOUS YOUNG LADY'

"Aoife was such a fabulous young lady and her smile will last forever in our hearts and minds."

Another person wrote: "My sincere sympathies to Claire, Joe, Eoghan and the extended family of Aoife.

"[She] was a darling of a person full of determination and ambition on the many sports she played to have known her to have met her was a privilege a smile that brought sunshine even on a rainy day."

A third said: "Aoife was a very special person and a pleasure to speak to in Guilfoyle’s shop.

'TERRIBLE TIME'

"We hope that the wonderful memories that you all have created with Aoife in her short life will help you to get through this terrible time."

Aoife will be reposing in Grey's Funeral Home Templemore on Wednesday from 3pm to 7pm.

Her funeral mass is due to be held at 12 noon on Thursday at Church Clonakenny.

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