Cooney leads tributes to teenage boy
GAA President Christy Cooney has offered his condolences to the family of Patrick Dinsmore who collapsed and died while playing minor football for St. Peter's GAA Club in County Down last Sunday morning.
Dinsmore, who would have been celebrating his 17th birthday today, was playing at left half-back when he collapsed off the ball.
Despite the best efforts of medical professionals present at the game in Rostrevor, he was pronounced dead on Sunday evening at Daisy Hill Hospital.
Cooney said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dinsmore family, Patrick's wide circle of friends and the players and members of St. Peter's GAA Club.
"Patrick was a sporting young man who had also had a strong interest in mountain biking and he was extremely popular amongst his peers.
"We offer the heartfelt condolences of the entire Association at this tragic time and hope that Patrick will remain in the memory of those who were lucky enough to know him for many years to come."
SDLP Newry and Mourne Councillor Michael Carr said: "This death has cast a shadow over everything. It's every parent's worst nightmare.
"This really is a devastating, utterly devastating, death of a fine young man.
"The local area is finding it hard to come to terms with it as the young lad was so well thought of and was taking part in something he loved, representing his local community."
St. Peter's GAA clubrooms in Mary Street, Warrenpoint have been opened as mark of respect to Patrick and counselling services are being offered to both the Warrenpoint and Rostrevor minor football teams.
