Stuart King has paid an emotional tribute to Aodhán Gillen, who sadly passed away last Thursday.
The footballing community in the Irish League was left devastated as news broke Aodhán had passed away while in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries following a single-vehicle road traffic collision on March 14.
King had brought the 22-year-old to Carrick Rangers last summer before he joined Dundela during the January transfer window.
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Speaking to Carrick's social media team following the 2-0 defeat to Newry City on Friday evening, King paid tribute to Aodhán and admitted the last few weeks had been "really tough".
"It's been a really tough three weeks," said the Carrick boss.
"I've got really close to his dad and godfather and we've had long conversations.
"We knew it was coming at the end and it has been tough. It puts things in perspective.
"Aodhán was a credit to his family - a really respectful, humble young boy.
“He wanted to learn and I was delighted he was able to come to the Premier League football club and I was able to bring him to the club - I know that made his daddy proud.
"I was delighted to be able to work with him and he was a credit to his family and a credit to us. He was out learning more and trying to improve and that's what he was all about.
"He wanted to learn, wanted to develop and be a really good Irish League player."
Another of Aodhán's former clubs, Newington FC, also paid a special tribute to him during their game against Ballinamallard United on Saturday.
A minute's applause was observed by both teams before the game at Seaview and Newington players displayed a shirt with "RIP Aodhán" written on it after one of their goals in the 4-1 win.
Aodhán’s funeral mass will take place in St Bernard’s Church, Glengormley, at noon on Monday.
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