“Odhrán had a deep love for sport and embraced life with kindness, energy and joy”
Tributes have been paid to an eight-year-old Co Tyrone boy who has passed away following a battle with a rare form of brain tumour.
Odhrán McGirr, a player with Errigal Ciaran GAA, was diagnosed with an aggressive High Grade Glioblastoma, an extremely difficult tumour to treat.
Following his diagnosis, Odhrán faced chemotherapy and surgery. His local community rallied behind him throughout, helping to raise £136,000 to help his family and supportive charities through the diagnosis.
READ MORE: Co Tyrone community rallies to support eight-year-old with rare brain tumourREAD MORE: Special service at his ‘much-loved farm’ for Moneymore man who died in tragic incident
An enthusiastic GAA player, Odhrán had the honour of leading out his beloved Tyrone senior team when they played Offaly in the National Football League in Dungannon.
Tyrone GAA paid tribute to the young boy who “showed extraordinary courage, strength and positivity beyond his years”.
They said: “Coiste Chontae Thír Eoghain is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Odhrán McGirr.
“A proud member of Errigal Ciarán, Odhrán had a deep love for sport and embraced life with kindness, energy and joy.
“A caring child and a wonderful big brother to Ruairí and Saoirse, he showed extraordinary courage, strength and positivity beyond his years in the face of an unimaginably difficult illness.
“Only a few weeks ago, he led the Tyrone Senior Footballers onto the field in Dún Geanainn – a moment of immense pride that will live long in the memory of all those in attendance.
“Our heartfelt condolences are with his parents Patrick and Catriona, his brother and sister, and the entire McGirr family, as well as his friends and teammates.”
In a statement, his GAA club Errigal Ciaran, said his passing has been met with “unimaginable heartbreak and profound sadness.”
A touching tribute read: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his heartbroken parents Patrick and Catriona, his brother Ruairí, his sister Saoirse, and the entire McGirr and Carmody families at this incredibly difficult time.
“Odhrán was a cherished member of Aireagal Chiaráin GAC – a bright light within our club whose presence brought joy, energy and pride to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“From his earliest days in our colours, he embodied everything that is good about our games – friendship, spirit, resilience and a deep, unwavering love for his club.
“The McGirr name is woven deeply into the fabric of Aireagal Chiaráin. Odhrán’s grandfather Johnny has given over 30 years of dedicated service as a volunteer; his father Patrick a committed youth coach; his uncle Dermot a longstanding youth officer – alongside a wider family who have been true stalwarts of our club.
“Odhrán carried that legacy with quiet pride each time he stepped onto the field. He wore the jersey with honour, determination and a smile that will never be forgotten.
“As a club, we are honoured to have shared in memories that will be treasured forever – from Odhrán’s unforgettable day on the hallowed turf of Croke Park to that special Saturday morning in Glencull and Dunmoyle that will live long in all our hearts.
“There are no words that can truly capture the depth of sorrow we feel as a club and community. A life taken far too soon leaves a silence that echoes through our pitches, our dressing rooms and our hearts. In the difficult days, weeks and months ahead we will stand shoulder to shoulder with Patrick, Catriona and the entire family, just as they have always stood with us.
“We will forever remember Odhrán – his laughter, his kindness, his teammates and the pure joy he brought to the game. He was and always will be, one of our own.
“May his noble soul rest in peace. Loved and remembered always, Now playing with the angels. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí ar a anam uasal. Grá agus cuimhne i gcónaí air, Ag imirt leis na haingil anois.”
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