Tyrone hurling legend Damian Casey has died tragically following an accident in a pool in Spain, just four weeks after scoring 14 points in the Nicky Rackard Final. In a football mad county, Damian stood out as someone everyone in the county knew about, even those who never watched a game of hurling. He was just that good. Hard to explain to those outside Tyrone just how good he was but this article from before the Nicky Rackard final gives a sense of it:
Step aside Patrick Horgan: Damian Casey is the most prolific hurler (you've never heard of)
https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40875941.html (https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40875941.html)
Statement from Tyrone County Board:
Anocht Is Uaigneach Tír Eoghain | Tonight Tyrone Is Lonely
Heartbreak and grief can come in many forms but are especially cruel when brought about by the sudden death of someone young, talented, outgoing and in the prime of life.
Accordingly, Gaelic Tyrone is totally shaken by the news of the tragic death of Damian Casey, a supreme hurler just now at the peak of his powers.
"This breaking news is beyond belief," a shocked Tyrone County Chair Michael Kerr commented.
"Someone who brought honour, delight and simple, straightforward gladness to our whole County, and far beyond, is gone and it's so hard to take in."
"There are very difficult days ahead for Sean, Susan, Louise and Catherine, for Damian's wider family circle and many friends and associates, for his team-mates and for the Gaels of Dungannon and Tyrone."
"Our deepest sympathy goes to them, and our focus must now be on providing the support and comfort that will be so badly needed."
Damian Casey was a special gift to Tyrone and to hurling. We were the richer for his presence and are the poorer for his passing.
'D'imigh tú i mbláth na hóige, ar Sholas na bhFlaitheas go raibh d'anam | You departed in the bloom of youth, may your soul be granted the Light of Heaven.'
Quote from: Snapchap on June 18, 2022, 06:03:18 AM
Tyrone hurling legend Damian Casey has died tragically following an accident in a pool in Spain, just four weeks after scoring 14 points in the Nicky Rackard Final. In a football mad county, Damian stood out as someone everyone in the county knew about, even those who never watched a game of hurling. He was just that good. Hard to explain to those outside Tyrone just how good he was but this article from before the Nicky Rackard final gives a sense of it:
Step aside Patrick Horgan: Damian Casey is the most prolific hurler (you've never heard of)
https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40875941.html (https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40875941.html)
Statement from Tyrone County Board:
Anocht Is Uaigneach Tír Eoghain | Tonight Tyrone Is Lonely
Heartbreak and grief can come in many forms but are especially cruel when brought about by the sudden death of someone young, talented, outgoing and in the prime of life.
Accordingly, Gaelic Tyrone is totally shaken by the news of the tragic death of Damian Casey, a supreme hurler just now at the peak of his powers.
"This breaking news is beyond belief," a shocked Tyrone County Chair Michael Kerr commented.
"Someone who brought honour, delight and simple, straightforward gladness to our whole County, and far beyond, is gone and it's so hard to take in."
"There are very difficult days ahead for Sean, Susan, Louise and Catherine, for Damian's wider family circle and many friends and associates, for his team-mates and for the Gaels of Dungannon and Tyrone."
"Our deepest sympathy goes to them, and our focus must now be on providing the support and comfort that will be so badly needed."
Damian Casey was a special gift to Tyrone and to hurling. We were the richer for his presence and are the poorer for his passing.
'D'imigh tú i mbláth na hóige, ar Sholas na bhFlaitheas go raibh d'anam | You departed in the bloom of youth, may your soul be granted the Light of Heaven.'
Absolutely heart breaking. No words tbh
Tragic news. RIP
Devastating news.
RIP
That is tragic, God help his Family and Friends. RIP
Ah jaysus that's awful. Always saw this guy's name with big totals and wondered about him.
RIP
My God. Shocking news.
Shocking and sad news. An outstanding hurler.
My condolences to family, friends and all Tyrone Gaels.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. RIP Damian.
We have had more than our fair share of tragedy. Devastating news for his family.
RIP Damian, shocking news.
Terrible news. RIP
This is absolutely shocking. RIP Damian Casey, I had the privilege of seeing him play a few times, a fabulous hurler.
Mór mo bhrón do Ghaeil Thír Eoghain. Mairfidh a éachtaí iomána go deo.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dílis.
Aw that's awful.
R.I.P.
Tragic news. :'(
RIP
RIP - desperate news
Ceol na n-aingil go gcloise sé.
RIP
Desperately sad news. RIP.
RIP and condolences to his family, friends and all Tyrone Gaels. Terrible tragedy.
Unique talent glad i watched the recent Nickey Rackard Cup.
Quoteacross all competitions, Casey started and scored in every one of Tyrone's 101 fixtures since his senior inter-county bow in 2012, amassing an overall tally of 39 goals and 908 points — or 1,025 total points
Terrible news, thoughts with his family and friends RIP.
Tragic news. Sincere condolences to Damian's family, friends and all in Tyrone GAA. RIP Damian.
Terrible.
RIP
God bless his family and friends.
Tragic
Just awful
RIP
Can't say I seen him play much but any time I seen Tyrone's Hurling results, he usually had 0-12 or 1-14 or similar next to his name. Apparently he got 14 points in the Rackard final recently.
Truly awful news. Condolences to his family, friends and teammates.
RIP.
Awful news altogether. Condolences to all that knew him. A real gent by all accounts. RIP.
I'm a Tyrone man who was only ever interested in football growing up I never really bothered with the hurling. I moved away a good few years ago but in recent times I promised myself that one day I'd go home and watch Damian in action for Tyrone such was the reputation of the man. His numbers for club and county were off the scale. Unfortunately I will never get that opportunity and I feel lesser for it today. Tyrone and Dungannon have lost an absolute legend. RIP Damian. :'(
Awful news RIP Damian 🙏
Such tragic news.
Rip.
Sincere Condolences to Damien's family, friends and fellow Tyrone Hurlers. May he Rest In Peace
A privilege to have stood in Eoghain Rua's pitch last night with hundreds of others at the vigil remembering Damian. The sheer devastation of his friends, team mates and family was truly awful to watch. Such a somber occasion but in times like this you are glad to be part of the GAA.
Very sad, RIP.
Quote from: TyroneOnlooker on June 20, 2022, 08:57:30 AM
A privilege to have stood in Eoghain Rua's pitch last night with hundreds of others at the vigil remembering Damian. The sheer devastation of his friends, team mates and family was truly awful to watch. Such a somber occasion but in times like this you are glad to be part of the GAA.
Seen clips of that and would break your heart. Superb to see the solidarity that you always get in the GAA at shite times like these.
RIP Damian, thoughts with his family, friends and teammates.
Can't be easy at this time for them.
His mother grew up in the same housing estate as my father in South Derry. Damian Barton also grew up in that housing estate.
No post mortem results are out yet
Funeral on Sunday