Shock At Northern Teen's GAA Death

The Stormont Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has expressed her shock at the news of the sudden death of a young sportsman, named this morning as 16 year-old Patrick Dinsmore.

The teenage GAA player collapsed and died during a minor football match in Co Down.

Ms Ruane said this morning: "I am extremely saddened to hear of the tragic death and wish to pass on my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

"Patrick was a pupil of St Colman's College in Newry and was due to receive his GCSE results, along with many of his friends and peers.

"What should have been a day of celebration will now be struck through with sadness and my thoughts are with all those at the school who knew Patrick," she said, noting that he passed away playing the sport he loved for his local club St Peter's.

"I would also extend my sympathies to everyone at the club and pay tribute to the medical professionals who did all they could on the scene to prevent this terrible tragedy."

The tragedy took place just days before the youngster would have celebrated his 17th birthday and happened very suddenly, when he was standing on the pitch on his own when he collapsed.

A doctor and a nurse who had been at the game in Rostrevor on Sunday battled for 35 minutes in a bid to save him, at one stage using a defibrillator to try to resuscitate him.

Patrick was playing for St Peter's, Warrenpoint, against neighbours St Bronagh's when he fell ill.

(BMcC/GK)