Tributes flood in after popular GAA player Paddy Hartnett dies in Limerick car crash

TRIBUTES have flooded in after the death of a popular GAA player in a car crash on Monday morning.

Paddy Hartnett was driving to work on the Mitchelstown-Limerick road when his vehicle collided with a van.

He was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver of the van, a man in his 50s, was taken to University Hospital Limerick with non-life threatening injuries.

North Cork club Kildorrery shared the tragic news of the 22-year-old's passing on social media.

A heartfelt post described him as a 'dear club member, player and friend' that will be 'sorely missed by all that knew him.'

It read: "It is with great sadness and shock we learn today of the sudden death of our dear club member, player and friend Paddy Hartnett.

"Paddy will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

"And over the course of the next few days we will remember and commemorate him for the lovely friendly presence he was.

"From his playing days to helping at Cúl camp he was liked by all.

"Our thoughts are with Martin, Helen, Eoin, Harry and the late Jack along with all his friends and family at this sad time.

"All club activity will be suspended this week.

"Guard of honour and funeral arrangements to follow. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Kildorrery Ladies also expressed condolences to Paddy's loved ones.

They said: "A very dark cloud descended over Kildorrery today.

"All at the club are heartbroken at Paddy’s tragic passing.

"Words cannot describe such loss.

"We send our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to the Hartnett family, Paddy’s friends & teammates. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

SHOW OF SUPPORT

Nearby clubs offered their support at this very sad time.

Ballylanders GAA wrote: "Condolences to the Harnett family and all in Kildorrery GAA from everyone in Ballylanders Gaa Club."

While a member of Cork club Na Piarsaigh passed on a message of support on behalf of their club as a whole.

They commented: "Deepest condolences from us all at Na Piarsaigh Cork..R.I.P. young man."