GAA community in mourning after sudden passing of young players

Two local GAA clubs have been plunged into mourning after the untimely passing of two of their brightest young footballers.

Shane Halton (18) from Cornafean died tragically at his home in Drumcrow last Wednesday and was laid to rest yesterday morning (Sunday) in Ballinagh.

News of the sudden passing Lewis Fay-Cooper (23) from Killinkere emerged yesterday morning. Both young men were outstanding footballers and popular members of their communities.

Shane Halton was a star player for Lough Oughter Gaels in underage ranks. He won a Rannafast Cup medal with St Patrick’s College and represented Cavan at minor level.

Lewis Fay-Cooper lined out at corner-back for Cavan minors in the 2015 Ulster final and went on to captain his club to their long-awaited Junior Championship title just last October.

“Tonight we are mourning the huge loss of our Captain and our friend Lewis Fay Cooper. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. As a mark of respect and we are asking people to put out their Killinkere flags to honour Lewis,” posted the Killinkere club on social media.

“I measc Naomh na hÉireann agus Laochra na nGael go raibh sé/May he be among the Saints of Heaven and the Heroes of the Gael.”

The Cornafean club, meanwhile, expressed their deepest sympathies, describing Shane as “a great young man, full of fun and always up for a laugh. He had a cheeky smile that lite up the lives of all who knew him. He loved to play football and wore the red jersey with pride.”

Tributes have poured in on social media, with former Cavan senior team captain Dara McVeety writing: "Desperately sad week for all in Cavan GAA circles, sincere condolences to all at Killinkere and Cornafean with the tragic loss of Lewis and Shane. Two brilliant lads with so much more to give, on and off a football pitch. Rest in peace."