Young Dublin footballer dies after training session
January 23, 2012The 20-year-old forward, who was also a talented hurler, collapsed while training with his club Round Towers, Clondalkin on Friday evening and was pronounced dead at Tallaght Hospital a short time later. A minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect before yesterday's O'Byrne Cup semi-final between Dublin and Kildare in Newbridge.
Poignantly, Ciaran had booked the Round Towers clubhouse for his upcoming 21st birthday party just before the training session. He is the third player from the Clondalkin club to pass away in tragic circumstances after Johnny Connors died in 1988 following a cycling accident and ex-Dublin footballer Tomas Mulligan died in 2007.
Ciaran was the only son of Philip - a well-known referee on the Dublin GAA scene - and Gemma Carr who were said to be devastated.
Round Towers chairman Alan Milton, who works for the GAA in Croke Park, told the Irish Sun: "They're just finding it hard to comprehend that they'll be burying their only child.
"Ciaran's grandmother is still alive and no parent, never mind a grandmother, should have to bury a child. He was the focal point of their lives and they just can't believe he's gone.
"Ciaran was a smashing guy who just lived for his family and his local club. He was a fantastic player and we've all been robbed of a shining light." Tweet
