Tributes have been paid following the sad and tragic passing of Portlaoise teenager David Brown.
The 15-year-old sadly died following an accident involving a quad bike in a wooded area near Emo on Easter Sunday.
A keen sportsperson, he had represented Laois in the Celtic Challenge hurling competition on Saturday against Kildare as well as all levels with Portlaoise GAA.
As well as playing on the Laois Celtic Challenge team, David was also a member of the minor hurling panel.
Laois minor manager Damien Carter paid tribute to David, describing him as a ‘gentleman with impeccable manners’.
He said: “Everyone connected with the Laois minor hurling panel was deeply shocked and upset to hear the tragic news of David’s passing on Sunday.
“David was a gentleman with impeccable manners, he was a worker that never gave up on the field, an extremely talented and skilful hurler, a speed merchant and despite not getting any game time in the championship this year he never once complained, kept his head down and continued to work hard to improve his own game.
“The lads have lost a teammate and a friend and David will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.
“May he Rest in Peace.”
David was also a proud member of Portlaoise GAA club – influential on the team that won the U-15 football championship last year.
On a post on their Facebook page, they told of the impact that he had already had on those who were younger than him.
They said: “We are heartbroken beyond words. David was one of our very best and brightest. In football and in hurling. For club and for county.
“Vibrant, fearless, skilful, determined, proud – a shining star on every team he played for. Brilliant attitude and manners, always respectful to his coaches and his teammates, always willing to listen and to learn.
“Already a hero in the eyes of so many of our youngest, David was a cast iron prospect for the future of our senior teams. It is difficult to process this. We will do our best to support each other over the times ahead.
“James, Carmel, Conor, Sarah – we are so sorry for your immense loss.
“We share your profound grief. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and the extended Brown and Maloney families.
“To David’s many friends, team-mates, coaches, parents of friends – please stay close and connected over the coming days.
“RIP David. Forever young. Forever a Star.”
David was due to sit his Junior Cert in Portlaoise CBS this summer and the school have also paid tribute.
They said: “As a school community, we are heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of our much loved, charming and vibrant 3rd year student, David Brown.
“David was a promising student who was diligent in our classrooms, brightened our corridors and excelled in representing our school teams.
“His fearless nature was apparent in our recent school skiing trip to Italy, where once again, his bravery showed no boundaries.
“His respectful manner never went unnoticed by teachers and coaches alike.
“To James, Carmel, Sarah and our own Conor – we are so sorry for your immense loss. Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you and your extended families.
“Although it is very difficult to process this, we must support each other in the times ahead. To David and Conor’s classmates, team-mates and friends, please stay close over the coming days.
“May there be comfort in knowing someone so special will never be forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Laois GAA has also released a statement confirming that Dr Eddie Murphy, known from Operation Transformation, has initiated their Critical Incident Response Protocol.
They said: “Laois GAA is heartbroken at the sad and tragic passing of one of our brightest young stars, David Brown.
“The talented Portiaoise Club player was an inspiration for his Club in both Football and Hurling, that seen him advance to Laois GAA Talent Academies at an early age.
“This weekend David was a member of the Laois Minor Hurling panel that defeated Antrim on Friday, and then on Saturday last as a playing member of the Laois Celtic Challenge team that defeated Kildare.
“Laois GAA extend our deepest sympathies to David’s parents James and Carmel, his brother Conor and sister Sarah together with his wider family, friends and teammates.
“Chairperson of Laois GAA, PJ Kelly has confirmed that the Critical Incident Response Protocol has been initiated under the support and guidance of Dr. Eddie Murphy.
“This is currently available to all relevant teams and individuals in Laois GAA as necessary.”
David is survived by his father James, mother Carmel (nee Maloney), brother Conor and sister Sarah.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later. May David Rest in Peace.
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