20-year-old Dublin GAA player dies of suspected Sudden Adult Death Syndrome

Team-mates and friends are among those who have paid tribute to Ciaran Carr who died while training with Round Tower GAA club in Dublin on Friday.

The 20-year-old is suspected to be a victim of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), which also caused the death of Tyrone footballer Cormac McAnallen in 2004 and Mayo footballer Jason Morley earlier this month.

The dual player was doing some indoor circuit training on Friday when he collapsed.

On the club’s website there is the following statement:

“Round Tower GAA Club wishes to express its profound sadness and shock at the untimely passing of club player Ciaran Carr. Ciaran made an outstanding contribution to Round Tower GAA Club during his life and gave great commitment as a footballer and hurler. Above all, Ciaran was our friend and his untimely passing has brought great sorrow and grief amongst the Round Tower GAA Club community and the wider Clondalkin community. Ciaran had a love of sports and was a very happy character who people loved to be around. Ciaran represented Dublin footballers from Under 12 level and played with the county through the ranks, and was part of the Under 21 training panel last year.

“To his parents Philip and Gemma, club supporters and friends, and his extended family and many friends, we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences. Details of Ciaran's funeral arrangements will be published once they become available. As a mark of respect for Ciaran, all club activities are postponed until further notice. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.”

Team-mate and friend Alan Milton spoke to the Irish Independent: "He was a happy-go-lucky man, he always went around with a smile on his face," he said.

"His passion was football and hurling, he joined Round Tower's when he was about four years of age with a hurley in his hand. Ciaran was a great ambassador for the club and for his family."

Comments on the Round Tower site from friends, like this one from Nathan Connolly, express the grief felt in the area: "god love ye pal so sad still tryna wrap me head round it a true athlete great sportsman and above all a gentleman."

Autopsy results are expected later today but the paper reports that it is likely he died of sudden cardiac arrest.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.