Tributes paid to much loved camogie coach who died after collapsing ahead of county final
Kildalkey Hurling and Camogie Club has led tributes to camogie coach Richie O'Donnell who died after collapsing just minutes before his team was about to play in the intermediate final yesterday.
Kildalkey were due to play Trim in the intermediate final in Athboy, but shortly before the 1pm kick-off, Richie collapsed outside the dressing rooms. He received prompt medical attention at the scene, but despite frantic efforts, sadly passed away.
His sudden death has not only devastated the Kildalkey camogie team who he has been coaching for the past year but also his own Donaghmore Ashbourne Club where he was heavily involved with camogie at juvenile and adult level for many years before taking on the new role with Kildalkey.
Stephen Smyth, PRO of Kildalkey Hurling and Camogie Club said the players were all devastated by what had happened and expressed their deepest sympathy to Richie's wife Caroline and daughters Holly and Abi. He praised the nurses on the scene and the first responders and emergency services who responded promptly and professionally to assist.
Paying tribute to Richie in a statement, the Kildalkey club said it would be forever grateful for his advice, support, encouragement and commitment.
"Richie, when joining us in Kildalkey, you could never have known the impact you made on our first day at the gym. Your knowledge of the game was immense and you were able to communicate it to us with a beautiful manner. You made it your goal to get to know every member of the team and soon learned out strengths and weaknesses. We will be forever grateful for your advice, support, encouragement and commitment. One piece of advice you gave, will remain with us forever. 'At the end of the day girls, this match will not define you as a person, life goes on, you go out and enjoy it. Win or lose, there's always the next ball'.
"Kildalkey Hurling and Camogie Club wish to express our deepest sympathy to Caroline, Holly and Abi for their loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and club members at this very sad time."
Richie lived in Ashbourne and was very heavily involved with the local camogie club there over the years and news of his death was greeted with widespread shock and devastation.
Chairman of Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA Club Brian Thomas said: "The club is devastated for his family. It is a huge shock to the community in Ashbourne. Richie was a coaching member of the camogie section for many years. He was an absolute gent and worked with the juvenile camogie players in the club for many years before stepping up to the adult section for a couple of years and took them to a good level before stepping aside a year ago to take up a new role with Kildalkey and we wished him well in that role."
"Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time. The club will rally around and do what we can to help them," he added.
Kildalkey Hurling and Camogie Club has also thanked Meath Camogie County Board for their assistance and Kildalkey PRO Stephen Smyth outlined that they immediately put an action plan in place. Within hours, they were speaking to the team members at Kildalkey's clubhouse and offered counselling, support and help. A buddy scheme is also being implemented where younger players will buddy up with a more senior member of the panel to talk.
The under-11 camogie teams from Trim and Kildalkey were also at the match and were due to play at half-time and the club is also speaking with them and their parents and offering support.