A GAA club in Offaly has led tributes after the untimely death of one of their players earlier this morning.
Clodiagh Gaels, based in the communities of Killeigh and Killurin, not far from Tullamore in Co Offaly, said they were "lost for words" after learning of the death of dual star Tiernan Grennan.
Tiernan had fought a brave battle with a short and sudden illness but his death was confirmed by his heartbroken family on Thursday morning.
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In a statement, Clodiagh Gaels GAA said: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Tiernan Grennan. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Willie, Carol, Aoibhe, Jessica, the extended Grennan and Coughlan families and all of Tiernan’s friends at this very sad time."
They explained that "Tiernan lost his battle in the early hours of this morning [Thursday] surrounded by his loving family and friends after a very sudden and short illness."
Expressing their upset at Tiernan's death, a club spokesperson added: "It is hard to comprehend the shadow that is covering over our parish at present. We are lost for words and in shock."
Tiernan was a dual player for the club and proudly lined out for Clodiagh Gaels in both hurling and football in recent years.
As recently as last year, he played a pivotal role at corner back on the Junior A Hurling team as they progressed to the semi-final and he was a member of the senior hurling panel under manager Columba McDermott.
He got his hands on silverware with his beloved club back in 2020 when he was part of the Clodiagh Gaels football team that won the Junior C championship.
"In his short life Tiernan made so many friends both on and off the field. You would never see Tiernan without a smile or a grin on his face and he would always say hello," the club said.
Clodiagh Gaels confirmed that "all club activity will cease immediately until further notice."
"Yet again we extend our deepest sympathies to Tiernan’s family and friends and we ask you to respect their privacy at this very sad time. We’ll miss you T. Forever one of our own," a statement concluded.
Tributes from the community have been flooding in since news filtered through on Thursday with one person writing: "Rest in peace Tiernan, so very sad. Thinking of Willie, Carol and Aoibhe and all who knew and loved Tiernan at this sad time. May your lovely gentle soul rest In peace."
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