Many tributes have been paid to Aaron Devlin after the Ballinderry and Derry footballer lost his fight for life.

The 22-year-old passed away this afternoon after being on a life-support machine at the Antrim Area Hospital since he took ill during a club challenge match last Wednesday. It later emerged that he was battling an aggressive strain of meningitis.

A statement from Derry GAA read: "The Derry GAA community is greatly saddened to learn of the untimely death of Aaron Devlin.

"It is difficult to comprehend the devastation that the Devlin family and the wider community of Ballinderry must be feeling at this time.

"This tragedy will be sorely felt throughout the Derry GAA family, and on behalf of all our players, officials and members, at home and abroad, we wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Aaron's mother Carmel, father Eugene, sister Anna, and brothers Ronan and Coilin.

"We also offer all our condolences to the members of Aaron's club, Ballinderry Shamrocks, his local community, his team-mates, and his many friends and colleagues.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal."

On social media, numerous GAA personalities have been reacting to the heartbreaking news.

 

Had the pleasure of a few nights out in Belfast with @Aaron_Devlin Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends! #RIP

- Declan McCusker (@Deckymcc11) July 30, 2015

Unbelievable tragedy!really hard to take.Huge loss!Thoughts go out to the family and @BallinderryGAC #RIPAaron

- James Kielt (@JamesKielt) July 30, 2015

Devastating news about Aaron devlin! Thoughts and prayers are with his family, close friends and the whole ballinderry community!

- Peter Carragher (@PeterCarragher) July 30, 2015

Thoughts and prayers with the Devlin Family & friends on tragic loss and sad passing of Aaron. #RIP

- Shane Curran (@shanetcurran) July 30, 2015

God rest Aaron devlin . No words for this tragedy . Rest in peace champ

- Conor.mortimer (@Conmort) July 30, 2015

Sincere condolences to Aaron Devlin's family, friends & @BallinderryGAC teammates on his tragic passing. Look after each other. RIP.

- Aaron Kernan (@AaronKernan) July 30, 2015

Shocked & saddened by the news of Aaron. Thoughts & prayers are with Colly & the Devlin family. May he rest in peace. @BallinderryGAC

- Paddy Cunningham (@paddyc13) July 30, 2015

Very sad news coming from @BallinderryGAC this evening. RIP Aaron devlin. A true gentleman!

- Kyle Coney (Noney) (@kyleconey1) July 30, 2015

Sincere condolences to the Devlin family and all at @BallinderryGAC on the passing of Aaron. He will be sorely missed #RIP

- Paddy Bradley (@PaddyB14) July 30, 2015

Absolutely shocking sad news this evening. Such a loss of a young talented lad. God rest him. #GAA #star

- Joe Cassidy (@Joecass14) July 30, 2015

Let God Gather to Him Whatever He has Planted in His Garden; He takes nothing out of Season. Aaron Devlin RIP. @BallinderryGAC

- Jarlath Burns (@jburns834) July 30, 2015

The unimaginable happened this pm @BallinderryGAC have lost @Aaron_Devlin.A true warrior to end! So sorry For wonderful Devlin family #Azza

- Stephen McGeehan (@mcgeehanstephen) July 30, 2015

My thoughts and deepest sympathies to the Devlin family, friends and all in @BallinderryGAC Extremely sad news!! RIP Aaron

- Eamonn O Hara (@EamonnOHara8) July 30, 2015

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