Tragic death of Tyrone GAA captain

GAA fans across the country, but particularly in Tyrone, were in shock on Tuesday as news emerged of the sudden death at his family home of Tyrone Senior Football captain Cormac McAnallen, one of the finest sportsmen in Ireland.

A member of the Eglish club, Cormac had won All-Ireland honours at Minor and Under 21 levels and last year was part of Tyrone's All-Ireland winning team. He was an All-Star and a former Sigerson Cup winner.

Among those across the length and breadth of the country who offered sympathy were Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and the party's elected representatives in Tyrone.

"Cormac McAnallen was an inspirational young man who had achieved so much in his short life to date," said Gerry Adams. "His untimely passing has robbed this island of one of our greatest talents.

"On behalf of Sinn Féin and the three MPs who represent County Tyrone, Martin McGuinness, Pat Doherty and Michelle Gildernew, I would wish to offer my sincere sympathies to the McAnallen family and to Cormac's friends, team mates and to all Gaels in Tyrone at this most difficult time."

"Cormac's death this morning at the age of 24 has left a massive void within the GAA in Tyrone and further afield but ultimately our thoughts must be with his family at this time," said Michelle Gildernew.

" The news of Cormac's death is being met with a mixture of both shock and disbelief throughout the county."

"Tá Cormac ar shlí na fírinne anois," a dúirt Barry McElduff. "Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar anam Chormaic. Comhbhrón lena mhuintir. Ní dhéanfar dearmad air. I measc laochra na nGael go raibh sé."