Horrific news.
The county of Westmeath and the entire GAA world has been plunged into mourning after the news that Castlepollard hurler, Donal Devine (40), passed away on Tuesday night.
Donal, a brother of inter-county referee Alfie Devine, hails from a renowned hurling family in the Lake County and was said to have attended training as normal on Tuesday night before falling ill. He passed away a short time later.
Westmeath GAA is today mourning the loss of Donal Devine Castlepollard who sadly passed away last night. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
— Westmeath GAA (@westmeath_gaa) February 15, 2017
Devine won four hurling championships with Castlepollard, the first stretching as far back as 1995, and he was still lining out for the club in the senior decider only in 2014 when he played centre half forward in the defeat to Raharney.
He is the uncle of Westmeath senior hurler Alan Devine.
The GAA community is in shock at the passing of a man who is described as a true Gael – someone who gave his life to his club, Castlepollard.
We extend our sympathy to the Devine family, Castlepollard on the sudden death of player Donal during a training session last night. RIP.
— Kilbeggan Shamrocks (@KShamrocks) February 15, 2017
So many people in Ireland could resonate with the GAA life that Devine led. So many people would look up to a man of his stature and a man of his nobility.
We extend our deepest sympathies with the family and club and wider Westmeath GAA community at this tragic time.
