Black Cloud sweeps over Donaghmore Ashbourne as Odhran O’Donnell passes away.
With our senior team having a derby win over neighbours Curraha and our ladies football team winning the Intermediate championship life was good for Donaghmore Ashbourne on Sunday evening. However as the evening progressed life was put into perspective as news started to filter around the Ladies game in Dunshaughlin and the club house that OdhranO’Donnell had passed away.
Odhran who recently turned 27 had finally lost his huge battle with illness and passed away in the company of his family. Many of our newer club members would probably not have known Odhran as his illness first came to light while he was playing Minor football for the club. He may have togged out a couple of times for the Junior footballers but was when his health issues came to light he found it difficult to have the energy for sport and never really had the opportunity to play adult football.
He was a talented footballer who played both Gaelic Football and Soccer for schools and clubs. He was fast, strong and brave in the tackle and always gave 100% when he put on a team jersey. He was part of our Under 17 team that captured the Division 2 league title in 2009 having a notable second half contribution to overcome a 4 point deficit at half time in the final in Pairc Tailteann. He was also an accomplished golfer.
A quiet and well-mannered lad he was courteous and always had a smile on his face and was very popular with his friends, His popularity was really evident a number of weeks ago when there was huge turnout at a prayer vigil for him in the church in Ashbourne.
He is survived by his mother Geraldine, father Frank (past Chairman of the Club), sister Alana and brothers Rossa, Iarlaith and Donagh together with other relatives, neighbours and friends.
A death at any age is tough to take but for a man of such a young age especially after a long brave battle against illness is really hard to take in. Our condolences go to his family and no doubt as a GAA family we will show our strength in supporting the O’Donnell family at this sad time over the coming days.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam
Funeral arrangements later,