Garda and GAA circles in Co Kerry have been shocked at the sudden death of Garda Eugene Leonard (41) on Tuesday night while playing a football match.
Garda Leonard died while playing with his club, Castle island Desmonds, in a junior game against Churchill near Tralee.
Two nurses who were spectators at the match tried to revive him, but failed, a spokesman for the club said yesterday. A post mortem was carried out at Tralee General Hospital yesterday.
Mr Pat Hartnett, PRO for Castleisland Desmonds, described Garda Leonard as a committed and popular member of the club. A former Limerick County footballer, Garda Leonard had also played hurling at senior level. "The whole of Castleisland and everyone who knew him is in total shock," Mr Hartnett said.
Garda Leonard is survived by his wife Paulette and their three young children.