Cavan footballer killed in Darwin
December 16, 2011
The late Paddy Bird in action for his native club Bailieboro Shamrocks
Cavan GAA is in mourning after the death of Bailieborough Shamrocks footballer Patrick Bird, who died tragically yesterday in Darwin, Australia.
The 24-year-old was killed when a van exploded in the driveway of a house in Darwin, with reports suggesting that the blast was caused by an over-heated gas cylinder.
An outstanding forward, Bird proudly donned the number 14 jersey with his native Bailieborough and also represented Cavan at Under 21 and junior level. A devoted clubman, he made the journey to Australia after the Shamrocks' exit from the Cavan intermediate championship this past September and was believed to be enjoying life Down Under.
Bailieborough chairman John Rooney expressed sympathy towards the Bird family on behalf of the club over their tragic loss, while friends have been paying tribute to him on his Facebook page since learning of his passing.
"We'd like to express our deepest sympathies towards his family at this very tough time, especially coming up to Christmas," Rooney stated.
"Patrick was a very talented footballer who would have played with the club from a young age."
"We are all very shocked and saddened by his loss," he added.
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