There is widespread shock and sadness following the sudden death a talented young footballer and camogie player.
Aoife Shelly, 22, from Clonakenny in Roscrea, CoTipperary, passed away suddenly on Sunday from pleurisy.
Aoife, who is survived by her mum Claire, dad Joe and brother Eoghan, was a talented gaelic footballer who played for the Moyne Templetuohy ladies junior side, helping the club win the county Junior A title last October.
Moyne Templetuohy LGFA have paid heartbreaking tribute to their cherished club member, whom they described as a "role model to both young and old and an inspiration to the younger members of our club".
"It is with inexpressible sadness that we as a club learned yesterday evening of the sudden passing of our beloved Aoife, team mate and friend," they said in a statement shared on social media. Words simply cannot express the devastation and void this loss will leave on our club."
"Aoife has been a constant presence in our club for all of her 22 years. From being on the sideline as a small child supporting her Mam, Claire and aunts Aine and Trish to reaching the pinnacle of her club career - winning the Junior A County Final only 5 months ago, Aoife has always been at the centre of our club's successes."
"Aoife's bubbly, fiery and tenacious nature always shone on and off the field. Most referees will remember Aoife for never backing down - like mother like daughter!"
"Aoife's leadership, communication and commitment, even when she would arrive late to training with the response 'I was just closing up the shop' was admired by all. Aoife was a role model to both young and old and an inspiration to the younger members of our club who were lucky enough to be coached by her."
The club added: "Aoife has always been the life and soul of every celebration which was never more evident than in our recent county final and dinner dance celebrations. Aoife's infectious smile, devilment, caring nature and unwavering spirit is embedded into our club and will forever remain."
"We are so blessed to have known such a truly wonderful person and will cherish the memories forever. We think also of Aoifes teammates and friends in Templemore Camogie Club and Clonakenny Gaa and her many college friends in Limerick and beyond."
"While our hearts are so heavy, we send all our love and thoughts to Claire, Joe, Eoghan and all of the Hassett and Shelly Families at this utterly devastating time. Aoife will be our Forever Teammate and Friend. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam."
Aoife played on a number of underage county teams during her teens, with Tipperary LGFA issuing an emotional statement following her tragic death.
"It is with immense sorrow and heartbreak that we share the devastating news of the passing of Aoife Shelly, a shining star of Moyne Templetuohy Ladies Football Club, who left us far too soon at just 22 years of age," said Damian Johnston, Chairperson of Tipperary Ladies Football.
"Aoife wasn't just a talented footballer - she was a cherished teammate, a loyal friend, and a proud member of the wider Tipperary LGFA community. Her passion, kindness, and radiant spirit lit up every pitch she stepped onto. Number 15 on the field, but number 1 in the hearts of so many"
"Aoife played a major part in Under 14 and 16 County Teams and was part of various County Development squads over the years. Aoife was accompanied by her mam, Claire, on many an LGFA outing as Claire was involved in many teams over the years as physio. Aoife's success at Club level can be measured a lot more than by all the medals she won with Moyne Templetuohy over the years, if she wasn't playing in a game, she was always present at games encouraging her Club mates."
"This loss cuts deeply through our clubs, schools, families, and communities. As we try to come to terms with the pain, we hold Aoife's family, teammates, coaches, and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. No words will ever be enough, but we hope the love and support of the community brings even a small measure of comfort in this incredibly difficult time."
Mr Johnston offered his condolences to Aoife's family following their devastating loss.
"I know you join with me in extending our deepest sympathies to Aoife's heartbroken mother and father, Claire and Joe and to her devastated young brother, Eoghan, he added. "We send our condolences to Aoife's grandparents, Ann and Tom Hassett and Eileen Shelly, who we know were pivotal in Aoife's young life and upbringing.
"We send our support and love to all the extended family and friends of Aoife. Our thoughts are with all in Moyne Templetuohy LGFA Club and to Templemore Camogie Club and all the communities of Moyne, Templetuohy, Clonakenny and Templemore."
"Rest in peace, Aoife. Your light will never fade from our memories. You'll forever be part of the fabric of Tipperary Ladies Football - a true inspiration to all who knew you."
Aoife, who was a student at the University of Limerick, was also a talented camogie player who lined out for Templemore, with the club hailing her as a "valued member of our camogie club" whose "presence brought so much warmth and positivity to young, old, and everyone around her."
"Her great nature, infectious smile and passion for camogie were evident in everything she did," the club said. "She was not just a teammate but a true friend who will be dearly missed by all of us."
"Aoife was involved with the club from very young age and won many titles along the way. One of the most notable was winning the junior county final in 2020, under the mentorship of her father Joe and her grandfather Tom."
"During this difficult time, our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to her mother Claire, father Joe and her brother Eoghan and all the extended Shelly and Hassett families."
"We also extend our deepest sympathies to her football teammates in Moyne Templetouhy and the GAA community in her home of Clonakenny, and all that were lucky enough to have known her. Aoife's spirit will forever be with us both on and off the field."
Aoife will repose in Grey's Funeral Home in Templemore on Wednesday evening and her funeral mass is due to be held in St. Brigid's Church in Clonakenny at 12pm Thursday.
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