Athlone GAA pays tribute to Conal Sheeran as funeral details are confirmed
Athlone GAA has paid a warm tribute to the late Conal Sheeran, who was a popular player for the club over a number of years.
A member of the Air Corps, Lieutenant Sheeran died on Tuesday - see separate article here
"Everyone in Athlone GAA was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of club member and player Conal Sheeran. Well known to all as 'Stretch', Conal had been a member of the senior panel since 2012. While he plied his trade as a goalkeeper in recent years, Stretch will always be remembered for his dramatic winning goal in the 2013 U21 county final," said a statement from Athlone GAA.
"Stretch was a dedicated member of Athlone GAA for over 20 years. He was great company and we have shared many great memories on and off the pitch; he was an ever present at club social events, and he was famous for his passion for the club. Conal also won an Intermediate County Championship medal in 2015 and a League Division 2 medal in 2023.
"Lieutenant Conal Sheeran was a member of the Irish Air Corps. He became a member of the 36th Air Corps Cadet Class in 2017 and he had 11 proud years of service with Óglaigh na hÉireann.
"All in Athlone GAA extend our deepest sympathies to Conal’s family, parents Frank and Imelda, sister Rebecca, extended family, friends and teammates of Conal.
"Stretch was a much loved member of our club. We have lost a stalwart and great friend of the club whose memory will live long into the future.
"Our adult fixtures have been postponed this week and underage fixtures will be preceded by a minute’s silence to reflect, remember and honour Conal.
As a mark of our respect all Athlone GAA club activities will be cancelled on the day of Conal's funeral. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis," the club statement continued.
Lieutenant Conal Sheeran of Two Mile, Clonbrusk, Athlone, Co. Westmeath died on Tuesday, April 30. Predeceased by his grandparents Frank and Kathleen Brennan (Claremorris) and Dessie Sheeran (Moate), adored by his heartbroken parents Frank and Imelda, his sister Rebecca and her fiancé Chris (Kay), Conal will be deeply missed by his parents, sister, brother-in-law, his grandmother Beesie (Sheeran), his aunts, uncles, cousins, grand aunts, granduncles, his colleagues in the Air Corps and Óglaigh na hEireann and by all his wonderful friends.
Reposing at his residence in Two Mile, Clonbrusk today (Thursday), May 2 from 2pm until 8pm. Funeral service in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan on Friday at 12 noon followed by private cremation afterwards. No flowers please, donations, if desired, in lieu to the Army Benevolent Fund.