Navan mourning the loss of Zak

Navan is mourning the loss of a brave little local lad this week, following the death of Zak Moran of Silverlawns.

The 11-year-old GAA fan died peacefully at home with his family on Monday, following his diagnosis with a brain tumour last year.

Zak, who bore his illness with great courage and dignity was a son of Catríona and Dave Moran and brother of Matthew, Danny and Bevin.

A huge GAA fan, he excelled in football and hurling for his club Navan O’ Mahony’s.

The club posted a tribute to him on social media.

“We are heartbroken to have lost our warrior Zak. Please keep the Moran family in your thoughts at this time.”

Zak is survived by his heartbroken parents and siblings as well as his grandparents Pat and Philomena Moran (Navan), John and Pauline Foley (Trim), aunts Paula, Blaithín and Emma, uncles Kenny and Patrick, cousins Jessie, Anna, Honey and Fox, his extended family, great neighbours and his many friends in Navan O’Mahonys GAA club and St Paul’s National School.

Zak was was diagnosed with a grade 4 highly aggressive malignant tumour last year.

He has been described as a "warrior" who faced his illness “with courage and determination beyond his 11 years".

His plight touched the hearts of many and friends and neighbours set up a Zak Rocks fund-raising group to support the Moran family with everyday expenses, treatment and travel.

Trim singer Gerry Gormley recorded a song in support of the Zak Rocks fund and Silverlawns residents held a fun day on the green for the family last summer.