Derrylin O’Connell’s GAA is mourning the sudden passing of Neil Shannon, who won a Fermanagh IFC medal with the club in 2014.

In a heartfelt tribute, the border club described the 30-year-old as a ‘tough, hardy and accomplished’ footballer. Neil, who lived in nearby Lisnaskea, was the son of John and Pauline Shannon, brother of Mark, John, Ryan and Gerard, and partner of Niamh.

"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that Derrylin O'Connell's and the wider Derrylin community have learned of the sudden and tragic passing of our former footballer Neil Shannon," Derrylin posted online.

"Neil joined the O'Connell's at a very young age playing from U10s right up through to senior level, throughout his youth he loved football and loved being part of teams.

"A tough, hardy and accomplished footballer, with an excellent left foot, Neil's talents shone bright at an early age and was always earmarked as a future star for the O'Connell's. Neil won various under age titles and personal awards in his youth career before progressing onto the senior team.

"Neil's proudest moment was when he played an integral role in corner back as an 18-year-old on our senior team in 2014 when we won the Intermediate Championship and went all the way to an Ulster Semi Final, alongside his brother Mark. Neil enjoyed reminding people from other clubs that he had played and won in Ulster.”

The tribute added: "We have great memories of Neil making heroic blocks in defence and marauding up the field, soloing with great confidence and assurance, before spraying a pass with deadly accuracy or kicking a beautiful score with that sweet left foot of his.

"Neil played for many years for the O'Connells until he retired from football at an early age. His talents, presence and football intelligence were deeply missed from our senior team when he hung up the boots.

"Neil was well-known and well-liked by all in our club, community and beyond, he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”

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