Tragic Donal was a talented hurler

August 27, 2015

The late Donal English-Hayden.

Tributes have been paid to the teenage boy who lost his life in a farm accident in Co. Carlow yesterday.

Fourteen-year-old Donal English-Hayden, who was due to start secondary school today, died after a tractor and trailer toppled over into a dyke at about 10.30am on a neighbour's farm in Rathoe, near Ballon. Donal's older brother Seamus was also injured in the tragedy, but has since been discharged from hospital.

It's understood the brothers were left trapped underneath the trailer, with one attempting to hold the other's head above the water as they waited to be rescued.

Donal is survived by his six brothers and sisters, and was son of Matthew and Noeleen English-Hayden. Matthew is involved with the local Fighting Cocks and Burren Rangers GAA clubs. 

Indeed, Donal played hurling with Burren Rangers, which is the juvenile arm of The Fighting Cocks. He was also a member of the Carlow Colts U16 hurling development squad, lined out for Tullow RFC and represented St. Laurence O'Toole Athletic Club in Carlow.

The Fighting Cocks paid the following tribute to Donal on Facebook.

"The Fighting Cocks extends our deepest sympathies to our committee member Matt and the English-Hayden family on this tragic day.

"Donal was a great hurler for Burren Rangers and words can't express the loss felt by our community. All club activities are suspended as a mark of respect. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

In a statement, Carlow GAA said it is in mourning "for our young colt".

 


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