The shock and sadness at the passing of Derry intercounty footballer Aaron Devlin after a short and sudden illness is being felt throughout the GAA community, says Association president Aogán Ó Fearghail.

Ó Fearghail led the flow of tributes which followed the news yesterday afternoon that Devlin had lost his battle against an aggressive strain of meningitis, the first signs of came on shortly after playing a club challenge game last week. The 22-year-old had been on a life support machine at Antrim Area Hospital.

“The tragic news of Aaron’s passing has shocked people right across the wider GAA family,” said Ó Fearghail. “He carried himself with distinction both on and off the field, and the messages of support since he fell ill were indicative of the upstanding character that he was.

“A highly respected player, he was fit and in the prime of his life and so the loss is even more acute. On behalf of the Association as a whole, I would like to express my sympathies to the Devlin family and Aaron’s wide circle of friends and admirers.

“Solas síoraí ar a anam uasal.”

Ó Fearghail added that Devlin had represented both his native county Derry and his home club Ballinderry “with distinction, and was highly regarded across his native county and further afield”.

Terrible void

Gaelic Players Association (GPA) chief executive Dessie Farrell echoed those thoughts, adding that “his loss will leave a terrible void in many lives”.

“It is with enormous sadness we learned of the death of Derry footballer and GPA member Aaron Devlin,” said Farrell. “A talented player, Aaron was a wonderful participant at our Student Summit earlier this year. A bright life full of promise has been tragically extinguished and our deepest sympathies go to his family, friends, county, club and college team-mates.”

Ulster Council president Martin McAviney also spoke of the “unimaginable loss for both his family and his community” in his tribute.

“It is with deep sadness that Ulster GAA has learned of the death of accomplished intercounty and club football player Aaron Devlin,” said McAviney.

“Aaron’s death is an unimaginable loss for both his family and his community. Ulster GAA offers them and all Aaron’s many team-mates our support at this difficult time and express our sincere sympathy on their loss. People throughout Ulster and Ireland will remember Aaron wearing either the Ballinderry or Derry jersey as he graced each field with his youth, talent and skill. That is how he should always be remembered – as a talented player who proudly represented and loved the GAA.

“I also extend our sympathy to our colleagues in both Ballinderry GAA and Derry GAA. Finally I ask GAA members throughout Ulster and Ireland to keep Aaron’s mother Carmel, father Eugene, sister Anna, and brothers Ronan and Coilin in their thoughts and prayers in the weeks ahead.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

There was also a moving tribute from the University of Ulster at Jordanstown, where Devlin had been both a student and part of the Jordanstown team: “It is with a deep sense of sadness that we learn of the death of Aaron. UUJ has lost a player and a friend, a person who would light up every possible environment.

Talented athlete

“A talented athlete, a character, a fun person always willing to help others. We consider it a total privilege to have known you, Aaron, and we are all the better for it.”

The Derry county board, who had called for prayers for Devlin over the past week, also expressed their condolences to the Devlin family: “It is difficult to comprehend the devastation that the Devlin family and the wider community of Ballinderry must be feeling at this time.

“This tragedy will be sorely felt throughout the Derry GAA family, and on behalf of all our players, officials and members, we wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Aaron’s mother Carmel, father Eugene, sister Anna, and brothers Ronan and Coilin.”

Earlier, Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness tweeted: “Very sad to learn the awful news of the death of Aaron Devlin. My heart & sympathy goes out to the Devlin family, friends & @BallinderryGAC.”

Republic of Ireland international James McClean, who is from Derry, also tweeted: “Devastating stuff this, thoughts and prayers with his family at this time.”