Shane Long pays tribute to Tipperary dual star who died after long battle with cancer

Eddie Connolly will be remembered by anyone who met him as a gentleman both on and off the pitch.

The former Tipperary senior  hurling and football star passed away last night at the tragically young age of 29, having battled brain cancer since 2013. The defender made his inter-county debut for Tipperary's hurlers in the 2011 league clash against Offaly while he also made several appearances for the Premier's footballers. His death comes just hours before a massive fundraiser in his honour was due to be held at the greyhound track in Thurles tonight. However, his family have decided that the event should still go ahead to honour his memory and to thank alll those who have helped in fundraising for the Loughmore-Castleiney man over the last number of years since taking ill in a county final. His club have paid tribute to him this morning

"Eddie battled his illness with huge determination, positivity and bravery." Eddie was a hugely popular guy and his popularity has been reflected in recent weeks with the unprecedented response to the Eddie Connolly Trust Fund." We extend our heart filled sympathies to Eddies parents Jim and Maureen, his sisters Niamh and Fiona, brothers James and Ger and the Connolly family."

Ireland international Shane Long is among a number of well known figures to have paid tribute to the defender's family this morning https://twitter.com/ShaneLong7/status/644791503013982208 https://twitter.com/cbarrett2107/status/644796936327970816 https://twitter.com/11larky/status/644804454945001472 https://twitter.com/power_richie/status/644794519855177728 A number of well known sports figures had been raising money in recent weeks through the #Score4Eddie viral campaign that saw hurlers from across the country raising awareness of Connolly's battle against cancer. https://youtu.be/MGIZooiNQeU