Camogie players from across the county and city gathered in Athenry last night for an emotional candlelit vigil to remember their colleague Kate Moran who died this week after suffering an injury in a camogie match in Ardrahan on Monday evening.
The accident sent shockwaves throughout the country and there has been widespread messages of support for her heartbroken family and for the camogie community which has been left stunned by the tragedy.
Flags at the village national school in Monivea, which Kate attended with her brother and sisters, flew at half-mast this week, and messages of sympathy have been expressed by her secondary school, Presentation College in Athenry, and NUI Galway, where Kate was studying commerce and accounting.
Kate Moran was the eldest of four children and is survived by her parents, Mary and Cathal, brother Thady and sisters Leah and Saoirse.
The family run a successful auctioneering business and are well-known and respected, as Cathal played senior hurling for Athenry and his county.
The respect in which Kate was held was evident at the gathering last night at Kenny Park, Athenry with the colours of many clubs worn by players young and old who turned out and shed tears in the memory of the underage Galway star.
Athenry Camogie Club paid tribute to Ms Moran, describing her as a “tremendous role model” and a “wonderful leader with a bubbly personality”.
“This is a terrible tragedy for her family, our club and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events.
“Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Moran family and friends. Kate will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
“Kate began playing with Athenry Camogie Club at underage level and quickly progressed to Senior A level with great distinction. She holds a Féile, Minor County and Intermediate County title. She also played in a club All-Ireland Intermediate final.
“She won two All-Irelands at U16 level with Galway, both titles she was incredibly proud of.
“She was a tremendous role model for our many underage players and a wonderful leader both on and off the field of play.
“Her bubbly personality will be remembered for eternity.”
In a statement, Galway Camogie said that Kate was a role model and leader both on and off the field.
"All in Galway Camogie are saddened at the untimely and tragic passing of Kate Moran from Athenry Camogie Club.
"Our heartfelt and deepest condolences to the Moran family, Kate’s friends and all the members of Athenry Camogie Club. Kate played with Athenry from underage up to Senior A Level, Winning many accolades with her clu, she was a member of Galway Camogie Underage Panels and won two U16 All Ireland medals with Galway."
Speaking on Wednesday, GAA commentator Marty Morrissey said “our hearts go out to everybody in Athenry because they will be heartbroken over this very unfortunate accident”.
The Moran family were “steeped in hurling” and “Kate was a brilliant, brilliant camogie player”, he told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.
Ms Moran was a third year student in NUI Galway in the college of business, public policy and law.
In a statement, NUI Galway said everyone at the university was “deeply saddened at the sudden, tragic death of student Kate Moran and extended their heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones."
