"Child prodigy' Shane died doing what he really loved

GAA clubs across the county have united in grief following the sudden death of a "child prodigy" on the field of play this week. Shane Murphy, 16, from Clondrohid was playing in the Cork Vocational Schools County Senior B Football semi-final for Colaiste Ghobnatan, Ballyvourney against Kinsale on Monday when he collapsed on the pitch during the second half. Attempts by his coach, teacher Mickey Ned O'Sullivan, and the Kinsale coach, Brendan Duggan to resuscitate Shane were unsuccessful and he was brought by ambulance to Cork University Hospital.
Denis Keane of Clondrohid GAA coached Shane from Under 10 level and paid tribute to the enthusiastic dual player.
"He was a complete player, a child prodigy. He was really talented and could play from full back to full forward," Mr Keane told The Corkman.

"Every young player in the county would have known him, he took some minding. He would give 100% in every game and was never booked. An example to others," he added. Denis coached Shane last year as he captained the club to silverware when Clondrohid beat Ballyclough in U15 hurling County Final.
"His loss is devastating to the club. The future of clubs depend on people like him. If you had two or three Shane Murphys on a team you would be confident going into any game.
"Anyone who played against him would know him. We've had calls from clubs across the county expressing their condolences at his passing," Denis revealed. Denis added that the Murphy family are very involved in local GAA, and that Shane's brother was watching the match from the sidelines when tragedy struck.

Colaiste Ghobnatan principal Breandan O'Lionaird said the school was shocked by the tragedy. "He was an exceptional sportsman and a pleasure to deal with. He was a pleasant, happy, popular student," he said. Mr O'Lionaird said that Shane's classmates, school staff and the local community were 'devastated' by his passing. "He was exceptional at all sports he undertook. He died doing what he really loved, but it was an untimely death, and it is devastating that it happened so suddenly."

Mr O'Lionaird added that services for students were being provided as needed, and that the school is liaising with his family, the community and Clondrohid GAA club with regards to taking part in Shane's removal and funeral which was due to take place today, Thursday, to St. Abina's Church, Clondrohid for 1pm Requiem Mass followed by burial in the local cemetery.

Courtesy of The Corkman Tweet

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