Mayo GAA club 'lost for words' as it pays to tribute to teenage player who died suddenly

LAST UPDATE | 3 hrs ago

A MAYO GAA club has paid tribute to 16-year-old player Christopher Gavin who died suddenly this week.

Christopher, hailing from Westport in Co Mayo and a student of Rice College, passed away at Mayo University Hospital after taking ill during a training session at Westport GAA’s home ground at St, Patrick’s Park, according to local media.

The club posted a heartfelt statement to Instagram where they paid tribute to their minor footballer and “true friend”.

It began: “Our town of Westport, its schools and our GAA community woke today to the heartbreaking news that Christopher Gavin, one of our current GAA minor players, a dedicated teammate and a true friend to so many had passed away while in Mayo General Hospital early this morning.”

Christopher’s twin brother Michael also plays for the team.

The statement continued: “All of our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with the Gavin family at this tragic time.

“As the twins’ coaches, we are utterly lost for words to express how sad our whole GAA community is feeling right now for this immense loss.

“We extend to Christopher’s parents Karen and Mike, his sisters Cathy and Emma and his inseparable twin brother Michael, our heartfelt condolences as you and our community try to come to terms with this sudden and tragic news.”

It mentioned how Christopher’s team were victorious in a game against Achill last week, which will remain a “happy memory” for him.

The club confirmed it will retire his number 15 jersey until the end of the season to ensure he will be remembered by all as an essential squad member.

It added: “The devastating loss of such a great son, brother, friend and teammate will need us all to surround Christopher’s family with our support and love in the weeks and months ahead.”

Details for his funeral have been released.

Requiem Mass will take place at 11:00am tomorrow, 3 May, in St. Mary’s Church, Westport before the funeral procession to Aughavale Cemetery.