Funeral details for Kilkenny hurling star Paul Shefflin announced

The father of four, who was the younger brother of Henry Shefflin, died suddenly while out running on Friday afternoon.

His death has sent shockwaves through his native Ballyhale Shamrocks GAA club in the tightly-knit community in South Kilkenny.

Just three weeks ago the club lost out to a last-minute goal to near neighbours Ballygunnar in the All-Ireland Club Hurling Final at Croke Park.

As a mark of respect, the Ballyhale Shamrocks AGM which was to take place on Saturday night was adjourned.

A notice on RIP.ie reads: "Deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Aoife (nee McCarthy), his cherished children Béibhinn, Odhran, Keelan and Ronan.

"His beloved parents Henry and Mai. His sisters Aileen, Helena (Cody) and Cecilia, his brothers Tommy, John and Henry. His parents-in-law Denis and Margaret McCarthy, his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, his nephews, nieces, aunt, uncles, cousins, relatives and many, many friends."

Paul will lie in repose at his residence on Monday from 2pm with vigil prayers at 8pm. A Requiem Mass will be held on Tuesday at 12pm at St. Martin of Tours Church, followed by burial in the new cemetery in Ballyhale.

The family home is strictly private until 2pm on Monday.

Mourners left messages of condolence to the much-loved dad online, with one writing: "Sending much love to all the Shefflin family, and especially to Paul's wife and family. So sad to hear this news. Thinking of you all, xxx."

"My sincere condolence to all the Shefflin family on your very tragic loss. May God help you all through this terrible time. RIP Paul", another person added.

A message from Loughrea Hurling Club read: "Sincere sympathy to Paul’s wife, children, family and extended family on his untimely passing. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Ballyhale parish priest Fr Seán O’Connor said the whole community is in shock following the tragic death of Mr Shefflin.

“Paul is the youngest of the Shefflin family and he died suddenly out running, it’s just tragedy for the whole parish,” he said.

“They are totally [in shock]. We haven’t heard much else at the moment.”

One club official from Ballyhale Shamrocks described how Paul was “very popular in the area’’.

He added: ‘’Paul played hurling with Kieran’s College and Waterford Institute of technology before graduating with a degree in Business studies.

"He was the Kilkenny Minor hurling captain in 1998 and unlike his brother Henry, he played as a defender. He always cited his favourite sporting moment as the 2010 Club All-Ireland’’.