GAA community pay tribute to 'vibrant' Kate Moran (21) as funeral details announced

Kate Moran (20) from Monivea, Co. Galway, initially walked away from an accidental collision on the pitch during a club match between Athenry and Ardrahan on Monday before collapsing and losing consciousness.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and attended to the player before bringing her to University Hospital Galway where she was pronounced dead on Tuesday evening.

Kate is survived by her parents Cathal and Mary, brother Thady, sisters Leah and Saoirse, boyfriend TJ Brennan, and grandmothers Bridie Moran and Amelia Murphy.

She will also be “sadly missed” by her aunts, uncles, relatives, extended family, neighbours, and friends.

Kate will repose at her home in Monivea later today, Thursday, 21st April, from 4pm to 8pm.

She will be laid to rest on Friday afternoon, 22nd April, in Templemoyle Cemetery, Newcastle, Athenry following a funeral mass at the Church of The Sacred Heart, Ryehill, Monivea at 1pm.

Tributes are now being paid to the talented GAA star online ahead of her funeral.

One new friend lamented their short time together, saying: “Kate, a wonderful friendly face who I was only beginning to know. You made so many people happy. Condolences to the Moran family and friends. Rest in peace Kate.”

A pal who attended the Gaeltacht with Kate a few years ago added: “I was fortunate enough to be Kate’s cinnire when she was in Spleodar Leitir Mór in 2015 with her friend Rebecca. I will always remember her humour and kindness and was shocked to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with her parents, siblings, boyfriend, grandparents and wide circle of family and friends. There are no words. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

Kate’s passing has particularly touched the GAA community across the country, with many offering their condolences in solidarity with the Moran family.

One Cork family steeped in GAA wrote: “To the extended Moran family and all who knew and loved Kate, we send you our deepest condolences and hope and pray that in the dark days ahead you find comfort in each other and your happy memories of Kate. May she rest in perfect peace. Ireland mourns with you all on the loss of such a vibrant young lady.”

A “camogie mother” said: “Deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Kate's parents, brother, sisters and boyfriend. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time”

And the Oran Camogie Club in Roscommon added: “Oran Camogie Club offers its deepest of sympathies to the family and friends of Kate during this heart-breaking time.

"We are thinking of everyone in Athenry Camogie Club and all in Galway camogie circles, especially Kate’s teammates. Ar dheis Dé a raibh a h-anam dílis.”

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland on Wednesday, RTÉ sports commentator Marty Morrissey also extended condolences to Kate’s loved ones.

“Our deepest sympathies go to Kate Moran’s family, Mary and Cathal, steeped in hurling… Kate was a brilliant, brilliant camogie player. She won two All-Ireland under 16 medals,” he said.

“Our deepest sympathies to her brother Thady and her sisters Leah and Saoirse following this accidental collision in a camogie match in Ardrahan.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in Athenry, all the community because they will be heartbroken over this very unfortunate accident. We pass on our sympathies to the Moran family.”