There is deep sadness in Mountmellick this morning following the news that a teenage boy has passed away following a cancer battle.
14-year-old Eoin Coss was diagnosed in February of this year and his community instantly rallied around him and his family.
A host of successful fundraisers were ran in order to assist Eoin and his family during Eoin’s treatment.
Eoin was a very talented sports person who played both football and soccer for Mountmellick.
He was also a member of the Midlands Schoolboys League U-14 team who took part in the prestigious Kennedy Cup competition during the summer.
Eoin’s club Mountmellick paid a heartfelt tribute to him on Facebook.
They said: “At a time like this, words can appear hollow. No matter what is said, little comfort can come from them.
“This morning, one of our brightest young stars sadly slipped away after a battle so bravely borne. Surrounded by his adoring parents Kevin and Martina and his brothers who idolised him, Eoin Coss passed away peacefully at home. He was just 14 years of age.
”Anyone who knew Eoin on or off the soccer pitch would have been in no way surprised by the manner in which he accepted his diagnosis less than a year ago and readied himself for the battle that lay ahead.
“Not once did the cheeky smile disappear from his face, his quick wit and charm remained firmly intact and his love of sports and just being out and about never once waned over the hugely challenging past twelve months.
“It seems like a cliché but everyone associated with Eoin knew he was a kid destined for great things. He started his soccer journey with us as a 7 year old in our academy and instantly showed what would make him stand out for the rest of his life.
“Considerably stronger than players his own age, Eoin looked out of place amongst the others in the academy setup but that was only a sign of things to come because for the rest of his tragically short sporting career, he was always the one that stood out.
“He dominated games, taking them by the scruff of the neck and encouraging his teammates to do the same.
“Nothing but his best was ever good enough, and it was that attitude and desire that saw Eoin captain every team he played on through the age groups and led to his selection on every regional and league representative panel that was going.
“As good as he was with his feet and his head, he was just as good with his heart. He was a humble winner and displayed sportsmanship and a sense of fair play that even the game’s most lauded global stars could learn a thing or two from.
“His dad Kevin was by his side for every step of his sporting journey, coaching teams that relied hugely on the input from their star man, his son Eoin.
“An avid soccer fan, Eoin’s two main loves in the game were Liverpool and Shamrock Rovers.
“He enjoyed trips to watch both, and it was a great source of pride when Rovers sent a select eleven of their veteran players to take on a Laois Masters side in a benefit game for Eoin during the summer. Eoin loved every minute of that day.
”Any of Eoin’s managers and teammates will testify that Eoin had all the hallmarks of a player who could have gone on to don the famous green and white hoops of Rovers or even the all red of Liverpool FC.
“We all know how good Eoin was and how great he would have been, but fate intervened and unfortunately for us here at the club, for the wider sporting world but most of all for his adoring family, we will never see this young superstar develop into the wonderful sportsman and even better man that he undoubtedly would have been.
“Eoin Coss leaves behind a legacy that belies his tender years, and while right now all we can feel is sadness at his untimely passing, we know that the mark he has made on all of us is indelible.
“He lives on in his teammates who were inspired by him, his friends who laughed with him and his family who loved him, and always will.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace. 💙💛”
A spokesperson for the Midlands Schoolboys League paid tribute to Eoin.
They said: “The sad news reached us this morning of the passing of Eoin Coss from Mountmellick after his illness.
“Eoin was part of the ETP over a number of years and most recently was part of last year’s Kennedy cup squad.
“Eoin was an excellent footballer and a lovely young man who was taken far too soon. As a mark of respect all our ETP sessions tomorrow will be postponed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Eoin’s family, friends and the greater football community in the Mountmellick area at this sad time.
“May Eoin’s gentle soul rest in peace.”
Eoin’s funeral arrangements will be announced later. May he Rest in Peace.
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