The tight-knit South Mayo community of The Neale is united in grief this week following the tragic death of Darragh Walsh from Creevagh. Darragh (22) died following a road accident in Doha, Qatar after he was struck by a car at 7am, two weeks to the day after he moved to the Middle Eastern city to work as a Quantity Surveyor.
An extremely-talented footballer, who was part of The Neale squad that made history last year by winning the Mayo Junior Championship title, Darragh also won the club's prestigious 'Junior Footballer of the Year' award in 2010.
A graduate of IT Sligo, Darragh is mourned by his parents Gerry and Miriam, brothers Shane and Padraic, and sisters Ciara and Sheila.
At the time of writing last night (Monday), arrangements were being made to have his body brought home to Ireland in the coming days. The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the Walsh family and Darragh's employer (an Irish company with an office in Qatar) is also aiding in this regard.
Speaking to The Mayo News yesterday (Monday), Jamie Walsh, a neighbour and first cousin of Darragh's, explained that he had worked in London for a time before his company transferred him to Qatar two weeks ago.
Darragh also made a flying visit home to The Neale for two days before relocating to the Arab state earlier this month.

Devastating
Dermot Keane, a former principal of The Neale NS, said news of his former pupil's death was 'devastating' for the local community, and described the Walsh family as 'tight knit' and a 'big GAA family.'
Mr Keane added that the general area had had 'more than its quota of young people dying recently. Darragh Walsh's death brings to five the total number of young locals that have died tragically in recent years.
The Neale GAA club, of which Darragh was a playing member from a young age, took to their Facebook page on Saturday evening last, saying all involved in the organisation were 'devastated' following the 'crushingly bad news'.
Darragh's father, Gerry, a well-known farmer, is the current chairman of The Neale GAA Club while his mother, Miriam, works with Western Care in Westport and was heavily involved with the establishment of a ladies GAA club in the South Mayo village. Darragh's many friends took to social media over the weekend expressing their shock at his sudden passing, many describing the accomplished sportsman as ' a true gentleman' and a 'good friend.'

'A gent'
Among those to pay tribute was Mayo football star, Cillian O'Connor, who said: 'Rest in Peace Darragh Walsh. Thoughts are with your family and friends. A gent.'
Qatar GAA club also extended their sympathy, taking to twitter saying 'RIP Darragh Walsh from all @Qatar GAA who were only just getting to know you. Deepest sympathies to your family, friends and @Mayo GAA.
Darragh had only commenced training with the club last Tuesday. The Mayo GAA Board extended its sympathies to the Walsh family yesterday while a minute's silence who also observed in Darragh's honour before Sunday's Connacht Senior Football Club Championship final between Castlebar Mitchels and St Brigid's Roscommon.
Darragh's brother Shane and cousin Niall have both flown home from Australia where they are based, while his uncles Tommy and Tony, who both live in the US, are also expected to fly home in the near future.

The Mayo News, November 26th 2013 Tweet

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