The community of north Meath has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of promising Ballinlough footballer Ricky McDermott.

Regarded as one of the club's best up-and-coming prospects, he was a key member of the St Oliver's side - an amalgamation of Ballinlough, St Brigid's and Moylagh - that captured MFC Division 3 honours last year.

He lined out at centre-forward and scored four points in the 3-11 to 1-4 final win over Seneschalstown in Carlanstown.

In 2011, he registered 1-8 from the number 11 position as Ballinlough claimed Division 4 U17 league honours at the expense of Wolfe Tones.

His performances with the club attracted the attention of county selectors and he represented the Royal County in the Gerry Reilly Under 16 tournament last summer.

The 17 year old had broken into the Ballinlough intermediate team this year and lined out at corner-forward in their 3-8 to 1-10 FL Division 2 victory over Nobber at Moylagh on Sunday.

Also a talented soccer player, Ricky was a regular with local club BMC Utd and was a fifth year student at St Oliver's Community College in Oldcastle.

Ricky was also a very talented member of Crossakiel Handball Club.

He is survived by his parents Richie and Ita McDermott of Clonabreany, Crossakiel and sister Sarah and brother James to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

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