Tributes paid following death of former Fermanagh footballer
December 09, 2020
The late Shane O'Brien in action for Fermanagh against Monaghan's Dick Clerkin during the 2009 Allianz League. ©INPHO/Presseye/Jonathan Porter.
Tributes have been paid to a former Fermanagh footballer who died after being involved in a road accident in South Africa.
Shane O'Brien (35), from the Erne Gaels club, had been working for the United Nations in Pretoria where the incident took place.
Shane played for Fermanagh minors in the 2003 Ulster final before moving onto senior level in 2009.
He also won Corn na nOg and MacRory Cup titles with St Michael's College, Enniskillen in 1999 and 2002, respectively.
In a statement, Fermanangh GAA extended its deepest sympathies to the O'Brien family.
"It is with a deep sense of shock and sadness that we learned of the tragic death of Shane O’Brien from the Erne Gaels club," it reads.
"Shane was a member of the Fermanagh Minor team that reached the Ulster Final in 2003 and a member of the Fermanagh Senior Football team in 2009.
"Shane also won a Corn na nÓg title in 1999 with St Michael's College, Enniskillen and a MacRory Cup in 2002.
"Our deepest sympathies go to the O’Brien family at this time.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Shane also won a Corn na nÓg title in 1999 with @St_Michaels_Ekn and a MacRory Cup in 2002.
— Fermanagh GAA (@FermanaghGAA) December 9, 2020
Our deepest sympathies go to the O’Brien family at this time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/nRgrDWFdYd
Erne Gaels produced a fitting tribute to their late clubman: "We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing of Shane O' Brien (SOB).
"As news filtered through yesterday the entire club & community of Belleek & Mulleek were shocked & saddened to hear of Shanes tragic passing.
"Loving son of Siobhan & Tommy Our hearts go out to Shane's parents & the entire O'Brien & Smith Families.
"Shane played club football & hurling with Erne Gaels & County football with Fermanagh over the years until his work took him all over the world. Whenever Shane made it home over the last few years he kept up to date with the club football.
"We will keep Siobhan, Tommy & Shane's family & friends in our thoughts over the days & weeks ahead
"The sky has gained another Shining Star
"Sleep tight Shane"
We are devastated to hear of the sudden passing of Shane O' Brien (SOB) 💔 As news filtered through yesterday the entire...
Posted by Erne Gaels Belleek on Wednesday, 9 December 2020
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