RIP: Sadness and grief in Kilkenny soccer following death of talented player
Deen Celtic have released an emotive tribute to their former player online
There had been widespread sadness in Castlecomer and the wider Kilkenny & District League family following the passing of Paul O'Connor.
Late of Kiltown, Castlecomer, Paul was a prolific goal scorer for over two decades with both Deen Celtic and Comer Rovers.
"The soccer fraternity in Castlecomer and the wider Kilkenny & District League has lost one of the most talented players ever to grace the Prince Grounds," Deen Celtic posted to social media in tribute.
"Equally adept at centre midfield or centre forward his eye for goal was second to none. Paul regularly topped the goal scoring charts, when the chips were down he always delivered, as a schoolboy, youth and junior player.
"One such game springs to mind when he made his debut as just 14 years of age for Comer Rovers B in a League Tie played at Dysart. He made little of opponents Brookville when he hammered in a hat trick to secure a 5-3 win," the post continued.
"All at Deen Celtic wish to send our condolences to Carol, Nikita, Kelsy, Kayla, and Sadobh also to Annette, Colette, Pamela, Jimmy, and to Eamon and Helen Nolan, his father and mother in law."