'Leader' of men to be laid to rest today
TRAGEDY Outpouring of grief following 'devastating' death of Monaghan U20 captain
The tragic death of a young Monaghan footballer in a road traffic collision, just hours after he captained the county’s U20 team to victory, has been described as “devastating”. Brendan Óg Ó Dufaigh (19) was killed in a two-car crash on the N2 at Clontibret at around 11.20pm on Friday night. He will be laid to rest later today.
Earlier in the evening, Brendan Óg had led his team to beat Donegal at Brewster Park to secure a place in the final. He was the son of well known principal of Coláiste Oiriall in Monaghan Brendan Duffy.
Monaghan Harps paid tribute to Brendan Óg in a tweet saying: ‘Our club is devastated at the news of the untimely death of our senior player and county U20 captain Brendan Óg Ó Dufaigh. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time. All club activity has been postponed until further notice.’
All underage matches in Monaghan were cancelled over the weekend as a mark of respect.
A ‘leader’ of young men
Manager of Cavan U20 Damien Donohoe spoke to Brendan Óg just hours before his death: “An extremely talented footballer, and a leader. I watched him play at minor level. At the game on Friday night, I saw him in action again.
“I had a conversation with him after the game. I came away from that with the impression that this was a very intelligent young man – he was humble and extremely mannerly.”
The Cavan U20 manager said Brendan Óg’s qualities were apparent: “He was the leader of the group. He was so clued in, knowing what he needed to do. He was looking forward to the Down game, he was asking me questions about where they posed a threat. It’s very sad and a very difficult situation for all involved.
“It puts sport into context. Football can be used to help Brendan Óg’s friends and team mates to deal with this,” Damien told the Celt. “Because the incident happened so close to the time he interacted with his group, it’s going to have a massive effect. Thankfully the GAA are very good in this situation. We have seen in the past how they rally around and make counselling available to all involved.”
Damien said it is a difficult time for the young man’s family: “All involved with the Cavan U20s would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the Duffy family and all involved in Monaghan GAA and Monaghan Harps.”
Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board Chief Executive, John Kearney, added condolences on behalf of the education body: “I wish to convey our heartfelt sympathies to his parents Brendan, Esther; sisters Áine, Claire; his aunts, uncles and the extended Duffy family, his many friends, Monaghan Harps GAA Club and Monaghan GAA on the tragic loss of Brendan Óg. Brendan Óg was a true leader and highly respected by all who knew him.”
GAA president Larry McCarthy extended the sympathies of the association to the family and friends of Duffy: “It is with profound sadness that we learnt of the tragic news of the incident in Monaghan on Friday evening and on behalf of the GAA we offer our thoughts and prayers to the Duffy family and to Brendan Óg’s friends and his team-mates in the Monaghan Harps club and on the county U20 football panel.”
Brendan Óg’s GAA Club, Monaghan Harps opened a book of condolence for people to leave messages for his family on Monday (July 19) and Tuesday (July 20). Funeral mass will take place today (Wednesday, July 21).
Appeal
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward.
Any road users travelling in the area and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) are asked to make it available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Monaghan Garda Station on 047 77200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.