Shannon, Ciaran
July 01, 2009
GAA community shocked at death of footballer in crash
GAA communities in Sligo and Wicklow were united in grief following the tragic death in a road traffic accident of former Sligo and Coolera/Strandhill footballer, Ciaran Shannon.
Mr. Shannon, a native of Wicklow, who was thirty-seven years of age, played inter-county football for Sligo in the mid 1990s, figuring prominently at midfield on the senior team which drew with Galway in successive years in the Connacht Championship.
He worked in the insurance business during his time in Sligo and played club football with Coolera/Strandhill for three years. He was a member of the Coolera team which beat St. John's in the County Intermediate final in 1995.
Mr. Shannon was on his way to Blessington to line out for his local club, Annacurra, on Saturday afternoon when he was involved in a four vehicle pile-up.
The collision, involving two SUV's and two cars, occurred at Mullacagh on the N81 near Hollywood Cross at 4.30pm.
Mr. Shannon's wife, Avril, who is pregnant with their fourth child, and the couple's three daughters, aged eight, six and four were travelling with him at the time of the fatal crash. They were released from hospital on Sunday.
Earlier on Saturday, the family has attended an under-age football blitz in Carnew to watch the eldest daughter, Ciara, in action.
A minute's silence was observed before Sunday's Sligo V Galway Connacht Championship game at Markievecz Park as a mark of respect to Mr. Shannon.
On Sunday evening, Coolera/Strandhill won the first ever Sligo 'Sevens' Championship and team Captain, James Curran, dedicated the trophy to the memory of Mr. Shannon.
Several members from the Coolera/Strandhill club travelled to Wicklow on Monday to pay their respects to the Shannon Family.
Club Chairman, Mr Sean Carroll, described the late Mr. Shannon as a wonderful footballer and a very nice person.
'He made an enormous contribution to our club during his time in Sligo. He was extremely popular within the area and news of his tragic death has shocked the local community. Everybody is shocked and saddened and he will be greatly missed,' said Mr. Carroll.
Mr. Shannon also played inter-county senior football for Wicklow for many years, lining out mostly at centre-forward.
In a tribute, the Wicklow County Board Chairman, Andy O'Brien, said Mr. Shannon was 'a thorough gentleman, an outstanding footballer and great servant of both club and country'
The removal of his remains took place to St. Bridget's Church, Annacurra, on Monday evening. He was buried in the adjoining cemetery after the Funeral Mass yesterday.
The late Mr. Shannon is survived by his wife, Avril, daughters, Ciara, Jade and Laci-Jane, parents, Andy and Ailish, brothers, Gerry and Noel, and sisters, Aideen and Oonagh.
Courtesy of Sligo Champion
1st July 2009
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