A Meath camogie club has been left shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of its manager before their county final last Sunday.

Described as a "gent with a passion for camogie", Richie O'Donnell took ill before his Kildalkey side were due to contest the Meath intermediate championship final against Trim at the Clann na nGael GAA grounds in Athboy and later passed away, despite the best efforts of medical personnel from the clubs involved as they waited for the arrival of the emergency services.

A member of the Donaghmore/Ashbourne club, Richie is survived by his wife Caroline and daughters Holly and Abi.

Kildalkey Hurling and Camogie Club paid the following heartfelt tribute to Richie: “When joining us at Kildalkey, you could never have known the impact you made at our first day at the gym. Your knowledge of the game was immense and you were able to communicate it to us with a beautiful manner.

“We will be forever grateful for your advice, support, encouragement and commitment. One piece of advice you gave us will remain with us forever: ‘At the end of the day, this match will not define you as a person, life goes on, you go out and enjoy it. Win or lose, there’s always the next ball’.

“We would like to thank the nurses on scene, first responders and emergency services who responded promptly and professionally to assist. We are thankful to Meath Camogie County Board, Clann na nGael, Trim and Donaghmore-Ashbourne for their assistance at this difficult time,” the club added.

Host club Clann na nGael also extended its sympathies to Richie’s family and Kildalkey.

“From what we hear from the Clann na nGael girls who played Meath Camogie under Richie’s management, he was a gent, a man with passion for camogie. We would like to thank the Kildalkey and Trim supporters for their patience, and the stewards, and the first responders for their help,” the Athboy-based club said.

Meanwhile, Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA has described the Dublin native as a 'gentle giant'.

In a Facebook post, the club said: "Last Sunday as our minor football team claimed the County Title there was plenty of joy as celebrations began, however as news filtered around Pairc Tailteann of the sudden death of Richie O’Donnell there was a sense of shock that filled the air. Life has a way of putting things into perspective.

"Richie’s life was cut too short as he passed away suddenly at the Intermediate Camogie Final.

"When you speak to our club members and in particular, our Camogie section the term 'A Gentle Giant' comes to the fore. Richie was more than that. He was a loving husband, a great father, an excellent coach, a friend and a leader.

"Originally from the Erins Isle club in Finglas, Richie became a household name in our club here in Donaghmore Ashbourne. He settled in from day one and made a huge contribution to our club and in particular to our Camogie section.

"He coached his girls Holly and Abi along with so many others. He started with the under 8 team and continued all the way up the ranks to our Intermediate team. Richie was always available to give advice, help other coaches and also coached the parents too.

"Not alone did he fulfil a coaching role he also served in many roles at committee level which included Camogie secretary, a role that he carried out diligently.

"Richie, a proud supporter of the Dubs he made his home here in Meath and his love for Camogie saw him taking up underage coaching and management roles at Meath County Team level.

"Such was his reputation as a coach and person he was approached by Kildalkey Camogie club to take up a role as coach for their Intermediate team and was highly respected in that club also.

"Off the field he was a pure gentleman and always treated people with respect and kindness. He never spoke ill about anyone and always looked for the positive in everyone. A great trait of Richie’s was his desire to get to know everyone’s name so he could have that personal touch when talking to you.

"He has left a huge void within the Camogie Community and our club as a whole, together with the Camogie Community far and wide but this pales into insignificance compared to the loss that his wife Caroline, daughters Holly and Abi and extended family will feel at this time.

"We do hope that our former Camogie Club Presidents will take him under their wing and have a job for him there. On behalf of the club we send our sincere condolences and support to Caroline, Holly and Abi and the O’Donnell family at this tough time.

"Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a-anam."

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. @ County Meath https://t.co/eK5sulOdT0

— Kildalkey Hurling and Camogie Club (@KildalkeyGaa) October 17, 2022

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