Down GAA was struck by tragedy last night when a young footballer died during a minor football match in Rostrevor.

Patrick Dinsmore, who was due to celebrate his 17th birthday tomorrow, died on the pitch despite a doctor and nurse having battled for 35 minutes in a bid to save his life. The medics, who had spectators at the game, even used a defibrillator to try to resuscitate him.

A pupil at St. Colman's College, Newry, which is where the Hogan Cup currently rests, Patrick had been playing for St. Peter's, Warrenpoint against local rivals St. Bronagh's where he fell ill. He was standing on the pitch on his own when he collapsed.

With Down due to play Kildare in the All-Ireland football semi-final next Sunday, local SDLP Councillor Michael Carr claimed the teenager's tragic death "has cast a shadow over everything".

Carr added: "It's every parent's worst nightmare. This really is a devastating, utterly devastating, death of a fine young man.

"The local area is finding it hard to come to terms with it as the young lad was so well thought of and was taking part in something he loved, representing his local community." Tweet

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