Club 'deeply shocked and saddened' at player's sudden passing
May 02, 2024
Athlone celebrate their Westmeath IFC final win at Cusack Park Mullingar
A GAA club in Westmeath is in mourning following the sudden passing of a popular player and member.
Athlone GAA has paid tribute to Lieutenant Conor Sheeran, who was a member of their senior football panel for the past decade. Although better known as a goalkeeper, the 30-year-old scored the winning goal for the Shannonsiders in their 2013 U21FC final victory over St Loman’s, and also won an IFC medal in 2015.
“Everyone in Athlone GAA was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of club member and player Conal Sheeran,” the club said.
“Well known to all as ‘Stretch’, Conal had been a member of the senior panel since 2012. While he plied his trade as a goalkeeper in recent years, ‘Stretch’ will always be remembered for his dramatic winning goal in the 2013 U21 county final.
“’Stretch’ was a dedicated member of Athlone GAA for over 20 years. He was great company and we have shared many great memories on-and-off the pitch.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Conal’s parents Frank and Imelda, sister Rebecca, extended family, friends and teammates of Conal.”
The Irish Defence Forces has also paid tribute to Cathal, who worked in the Irish Corps.
"It is with great sadness that Óglaigh na hÉireann can confirm that the death has occurred of Lieutenant Conal Sheeran of the Irish Air Corps, who was found in an unresponsive state by his colleagues in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel," said the statement.
"Lt Sheeran was a native of County Westmeath and was 30 years of age. Lt Sheeran joined Óglaigh na hÉireann in 2012 as a Recruit in 1 Infantry Battalion, before joining the 70th Air Corps Apprentice Class also in 2012. He graduated from this training in 2016 and subsequently became a member of the 36th Air Corps Cadet Class in 2017. He completed this training and was commissioned as an Officer in the Air Corps in 2020.
"Lt Sheeran had 11 proud years of service with Óglaigh na hÉireann and served in a number of appointments. He also completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Military Aviation Technology in NUI Galway.”
TweetEveryone in Athlone GAA was deeply shocked & saddened to hear of the sudden passing of club member & player Conal Sheeran yesterday.
— Athlone GAA (@AthloneGAA) May 1, 2024
Athlone GAA extend our deepest sympathies to Conal’s parents Frank and Imelda, sister Rebecca, extended family, friends and teammates of Conal. pic.twitter.com/Npx3tBJXva
