Sudden Adult Death Syndrome claims the life of Kilkenny GAA player

Sudden Adult Death Syndrome has claimed the life of yet another GAA player after a man from the James Stephens club in Kilkenny died from the condition at the weekend.

26-year old Adrian Harkin died of a suspected heart attack on Saturday afternoon, having trained with his clubmates the previous evening.

According to the Irish Independent today, a local source indicated that Harkin had stayed in a friend’s house on Friday night and was found dead the following morning.

Harkin played both football and hurling with James Stephens and was believed to be a talented operator in both codes. He also represented the Kilkenny footballers at under-age level.

Harkin is the latest in a long line of GAA players to fall victim to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, which is believed to be responsible for two deaths a week in this country.

The GAA and the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA) have been at pains to raise awareness of the issue in recent years, a campaign that was heightened by the sudden death of former All-Ireland winning Tyrone footballer Cormac McAnallen from the condition in 2004.

The James Stephens club paid tribute to Harkin in a post on their website which read: “Adrian Harkin who died suddenly on Saturday March 3rd at the age of 26, was a member of James Stephens GAA Club.

“A talented footballer and hurler, Adrian represented the Club and St. Kieran's College Kilkenny at all levels in football and hurling, in addition to representing Kilkenny at under age football.

“Adrian played at centre half forward on the James Stephens Team which won the County Minor hurling championship in 2003 and was a member of the Senior Football team which won the county title in 2008. Following a brief period in the US, Adrian resumed playing hurling and football with the club in 2011, playing in the club's recent Senior Football league matches.

“Adrian was a cheerful young man, who was ready with a joke and who always left us with a smile. Adrian will be missed by all in the club.

“Our deepest sympathies to his parents Mary and Syd, to Catherine, David and Maurice and to all the Harkin family.

“Ár gcomhbrón lena chlann agus lena cháirde.”

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.