Tributes paid to ‘brilliant and bright’ young GAA star who tragically died

Friends and family of the young athlete have expressed their sadness over his untimely passing.

A talented GAA player, Mark played football and hurling for his local club Shamrocks GAA, winning a minor championship with the team in 2018 and reaching the county final with the Junior C team earlier this year.

The club issued a statement on Facebook yesterday, describing him as a valued dual player in our club.

The statement read: "Shamrocks GAA Club wish to extend their deepest condolences to the Lee family, in particular his parents Noel and Niamh and sisters Sarah and Ava, on the sudden passing of Mark.

"Mark was a very valued dual player in our club and played for Shamrocks in all grades in both hurling and football. He was part of the team that won the Minor Football Championship in 2018 and only recently was part of the Junior C football team who were beaten in the County Final.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Further tributes have been paid on RIP.ie, where the details of Mark's removal and funeral are laid out.

One person wrote: "Deepest condolences to Mark and all of his family and friends. Mark was a great friend and it was a pleasure to have worked alongside side him. Thoughts to all affected during this difficult time."

Another said: "Sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to Mark's family at this sad and difficult time. Mark was a lovely lad and was very popular with all of us who had the pleasure of working with him. He'll be forever in our thoughts."

A third added: "There are no words to comfort you all at this heartbreaking time, you are all in our thoughts and prayers, may Mark's gentle soul rest in eternal peace."

One of Mark's former schoolteachers wrote: "I remember him as a brilliant, bright & enthusiastic young student in Scoil Mhicil Uí Cheallaigh. Comhbhrón ó chroí libh go léir ag an am seo. Keeping you all in my prayers."