‘You win games, you lose games … but losing a life is far more important’ – Laois manager Sheehan pays tribute to the late Adam Kirwan

The Laois senior footballers returned to the top of Division 4 following an 11 point win over Wicklow on Saturday evening.

However, the thoughts of many people who were in O’Moore Park were about the late Adam Kirwan.

The Trumera hurler lost his life in a car accident during the week and will be laid to rest later today.

Speaking after the victory, Laois manager Billy Sheehan paid tribute to Adam and also paid his condolences to his family.

Billy is a father to three boys and he said that the news of Adam’s passing put the importance of winning and losing games into sharp context.

Sheehan made the comments after praising Portlaoise’s Kevin Swayne who had put in a fine performance 48 hours after winning an All-Ireland title with SETU Carlow.

Sheehan said: “On behalf of the team, you mentioned Kevin Swayne, he was very good friends with Adam Kirwan.

“He was best friends with his cousin but they were friendly, he was in the house recently there.

“I’ve three sons myself and my father’s anniversary was yesterday (Friday), he got to live a good life but unfortunately, Adam’s life was taken from him early.

“From the Laois senior management and the Laois senior players, I’d like to offer sincere condolences to the Kirwan family.

“Look you win games, you lose games, we were in the dressing room last week after we lost a game. Losing a life is far more important when it comes down to it and talking to a man as young as Kevin yesterday and to see how disappointed he was.

“Football only comes second-place to that and we were deeply sorry to hear the news.

“I didn’t know the lad myself but I have watched videos of him since playing with Thurles and I was also getting information on him from the hurling side.

“He was a huge hurler and had a great attitude, great kid and it’s disappointing I suppose as being a dad myself, to lose your son so young.

“Outside of winning matches, it’s kind of in my head all day to just really give a mention to that young lad, because it’s so disappointing.

“So once again, all of our thoughts are with Adam’s family at this deeply sad time.”

Adam’s removal will take place Sunday afternoon to St. Fintan’s Church Mountrath (eircode R32X338), for Requiem Mass at 2pm.

This will be followed by burial in St. Fintan’s Cemetery Mountrath. Adam’s Requiem Mass will be live streamed on www.mountrathparish.ie

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