The late Andrew Condren Arklow was stunned and shocked after the news emerged that popular 21-year-old local man had died tragically. Andrew Condren from Curranstow, three miles outside Arklow town, was a member of a well-known and highly respected farming family, a son of Michael and Betty. The talented footballer died in tragic circumstances near his home and his body was found. 'Everybody had nothing but good to say about Andrew, he was a affable person and hugely popular with his peers,' a friend said. "There was huge shock at the news and a great outpouring of grief at his untimely death. Andrew was one of the lads. He was witty and happy and outgoing. Its hard to believe that he is dead.' Andrew's funeral was one of the biggest every seen in Johnstown Church and at Ballfad where his remains were interred after Requiem Mass in Johnstown. Players from Castletown GAA club, with whom he played football, provided guard of honour at his funeral and people from all over Wicklow and Wexford came to say their sad farewells, all visibly shocked by the death of one so young. Andrew's untimely death is especially keenly felt by his parents Michael and Betty Condren; his three sisters Ann, Margaret and Lisa and three brothers Michael, Edward and John. Several of his relations live in Arklow town with members of the family having strong links to the business life of Arklow. Andrew attended school in Coolgreany National School and later Good Counsel in New Ross before spending time in Carlow IT. He had been working on the family farm and was well known in the locality from doing summer work in the Golden Anchor. Andrew played senior football with Castletown in the early rounds of the championship in 2005 and was a member of the junior team in 2006. His coffin was adorned with the number 7 jersey. All of Castletown's matches were called off as a mark of respect to Andrew's memory. Courtesy of Wicklow People 24/08/2006 Tweet

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