St Senan's Kilkee and Clare GAA are in mourning following the passing of former county footballer Michael O'Shea (37) after a battle with cancer.

A championship debutant with the Banner County in 1999, the St Senan's Kilkee clubman lined out at left corner-forward and scored four points in the 2012 Munster SFC final defeat to Cork.

He hung up his intercounty boots in 2014 and his club, with whom he won two Clare SFC medals, posted the following tribute on Facebook: "Our hearts are absolutely aching today with the pain of the loss of our brother Michael O'Shea - arguably the greatest footballer ever to wear the blue & white jersey of St. Senan's Kilkee.

"Michael passed away yesterday in the loving arms of his family following the bravest fought battle with cancer.

"His determination to beat the illness should not have surprised any of us who ever witnessed his determination on a football field. He fought a long tough battle with courage, strength and dignity - all the attributes that were earned in hard county and club training sessions and battles on the football field over almost three decades.

"Michael is known the length and breadth of the country for his footballing ability, but he was much more than just a great footballer. He was a great friend, family man, work colleague and a true blue. Anyone that knew Michael holds him in the highest regard, and that is a testament to his character and personality.

"His untimely passing will undoubtedly leave a large void in all of our lives, but Michael has left a legacy that will live forever.

"Whether your memory is his shouts of encouragement to fellow players, his lung busting runs down the field to score some of the best points ever seen, his celebrations when Kilkee or Clare took the lead, or simply that cheeky smile that might greet you across the street, those memories will live with us all for eternity.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Michael's beloved wife Orlaith, his adored daughter Éirinn, his parents Joe & Elizabeth, brother John & his wife Edel, sister Oonagh & her husband Oisin, his nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family and the Fitzgerald family.

"Our club will stand with you in your time of grief and Michael's memory will live forever in our club.

"Ar dheis de go raibh a anam".

CLG an Chlair would like to express our sincere sympathies to the family, friends and teammates of former St Sennan's and Clare footballer Michael O'Shea. Michael played for our county football team for 15 years and also was as selector on some of our intercounty teams. pic.twitter.com/IeSCGyXXU2

- Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) August 22, 2018

Tweet

Most Read Stories