Dundela Football Club have paid an emotional tribute to Aodhán Gillen, who sadly passed away on Thursday.
The 22-year-old only joined the club in January but made a big impact on and off the field.
In a statement released on Dundela's Facebook page they spoke of Aodhán's "caring nature, and his friendly attitude" which made him popular with everyone at the club.
They also highlighted Aodhán's undoubted footballing ability saying he was a "throwback to the golden days of out and out wingers".
Aodhán also played for Newington and Carrick Rangers, scoring the winner in the 2021 Steel & Sons Cup final against Linfield Swifts for Newington.
"Aodhán came to Dundela in January, and straight away his caring nature, and his friendly attitude made him a popular player with his teammates and members of the club," said Dundela's statement.
"Aodhán as many will know was a quiet man, but when Aodhan got a ball at his feet he became a different person.
"In the short time Aodhán was at Dundela he very quickly showed how talented a player he was, talent that was very evident as to why he got a move to the Premiership with Carrick Rangers.
"Aodhán was a throwback to the golden days of out and out wingers, confident on the ball, pace, and belief in his own ability, saw him dominate full backs in his early games, but what made Aodhán stand out most, was his determination to continually improve, and his unselfish nature. This is what made Aodhán so popular and liked by so many.
"We as a club cannot fathom the unimaginable pain Aodhán’s family and friends are experiencing at present, and we offer them our sincere condolences at this devastating time.
"We also offer our sincere condolences to all at Carrick Rangers and Newington FC, both clubs in which Aodhán has many close friends and was equally held in the high esteem he was at Dundela FC.
"Our players and staff have been devastated on hearing this news. Having sadly experienced the loss of a player in the past, we as a club will provide all the necessary support mechanisms for players and staff going forward. Rest in peace Aodhán."
Newington FC echoed those sentiments as they paid their own tribute to Aodhán on the club's Twitter page.
"Aodhàn was not only a great player but more importantly a great person who was loved by all at Newington," they tweeted.
"Aodhàn was a massive part of our club's recent successes. He was a Premier Intermediate League winner and scored the winning goal in the Steel & Sons Cup final in 2021. It was no surprise when Premiership club Carrick Rangers spotted his boundless talent and signed him.
"Aodhàn's name will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of everyone at Newington Football Club."
Carrick Rangers also issued a statement after being deeply saddened to have learned of Aodhán's passing.
The club said: "Aodhán joined the ‘Gers last summer from Newington and his exciting potential and hard-working attitude saw him impress in pre-season, which earned the winger his first start on the opening day of the season against Newry City.
"His positive personality and love for football made him a popular figure both around the Club as well as in the changing room amongst players and staff alike."
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