'A teammate, a friend and a true gentleman': GAA club pay tribute to young dad-of-two after sudden death
A GAA club in Co Roscommon has paid a heartfelt tribute following the sudden death of one of its former players, describing him as 'a true gentleman' who 'lit up any room with his warm smile, gentle nature, and vibrant personality'.Paul Kelleher, a dad-of-two originally from Elphin in Roscommon but recently of Leitrim Village in Co Leitrim, died suddenly on Monday.A death notice shared on RIP.ie said, "Paul will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his heartbroken family."The popular dad-of-two is survived by his loving wife Shauna, adored children Cara and Tadhg, parents Noeline and Pat Kelleher, brothers David and Robert (Ellen), parents-in-law Linda and Sean Duignan, brother-in-law Peter (Sinéad), sister-in-law Lorna (James), nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives, loyal companion Cooper, neighbours and a large circle of friends.Paul was a talented gaelic footballer player who lined out for his local side Elphin GAA at underage and senior level, helping his beloved club claim the minor division 1 championship in 2006.Elphin GAA have shared an emotional tribute to their former player on social media, haling him as "a teammate, a friend and a true gentleman who embodied the spirit of our club"."It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the untimely death of Paul Kelleher, a cherished former player of Elphin GAA club," the club said."Paul was an Elphin man through and through and even though he had made his home in Leitrim Village with Shauna, Cara and Tadhg, he never forgot Elphin."Paul started his footballing career with Elphin at underage in Orchard Park, he came through the ranks with great enthusiasm and love for the club which continued right through to senior, some of his achievements included the 2006 minor division 1 championship where he was described as the Colm Corkery of Elphin and indeed it was a good description as he always had a big presence on the pitch."He went on to play in the 2 senior county finals and although we didn't win he played a pivotal role in getting us there. He also helped us deliver a senior league title in 2011."The club added: "Paul was more than just a player - he was a teammate, a friend and a true gentleman who embodied the spirit of our club. As significant as his presence was on the pitch, it was even greater off it. Paul had the beautiful gift of lighting up any room with his warm smile, gentle nature, and vibrant personality. Whether celebrating a hard-fought win or finding humor in a loss, he was always ready for a laugh and a pint with his team mates and friends."To Shauna, Cara, Tadhg, Pat, Noeline, David, and Robert, and to the extended Kelleher and Duignan families, we offer our deepest sympathies. We are truly sorry for your loss."Paul’s loss leaves a deep void in our club and wider communities and his presence will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him on and off the pitch."Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."A number of Paul's friends, collegues and former classmates have shared their own tributes online.Paul attended the University of Aberdeen, with a housemate of his from his time on Scotland writing: "I was heartbroken to hear about the death of Paul (PK). Living together in Aberdeen, I came to know him not just as a friend, but as a constant source of warmth and energy in everyday life."He had a way of lifting the mood in any room—his smile was effortless and genuine, the kind that made you feel instantly at ease. There was always music playing when he was around, whether in the background of a quiet evening or at the centre of a lively gathering in Malones, O’Neills or Rosehill. He brought people together so naturally, drawn by his love of good company, good conversation, and plenty of craic."Sport was one of his great passions, and he threw himself into it with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything else. We spent many days and hours training, playing and discussing matches in detail."To his his wife Shauna, his children Cara and Tadgh and the Kelleher and Duignan families, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. He will be deeply missed by all."While a former teammate of Paul's added: "So devastated to hear of Paul’s sudden passing. I remember Paul as a great team mate for Elphin GAA who gave his all for the jersey and travelled back from Scotland to play games."Also cherished memories of our time living together in Carrick for a few years where we developed a closer friendship."Paul was a man for all seasons who could converse on any topic and had a wide array of friends from all walks of life. A great conversationalist with a very natural warmth. He was the finest of company and had the head up for fun at all times. A brilliant guitarist and singer - many’s a party he got going, and kept them going."My deepest condolences to the Duignan and Kelleher families at this incredibly difficult time. RIP PK."Paul's Funeral Mass will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Carrick-on-Shannon at 11.30am on on Saturday, followed by private cremation.Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.
