London GAA is in shock after a young player, Cathal Forde, died while training with Kilburn Gaels in the city this week.
Mr Forde, 28, from Gort in County Galway collapsed at the end of a hurling session in Highgate. The player was rushed by ambulance to Whittington Hospital, Archway where he was pronounced dead.
The player’s family who are said to be devastated by the news, arrived in London yesterday morning.
Cathal Forde had been living in the capital for two-and-a-half years and worked as a site engineer.
He is a former student of Edinburgh Napier University and GMIT.
Playing at corner back, Mr Forde won a London SHC with Kilburn Gaels in 2010, beside his brother Niall.
Speaking yesterday, Niall said there was no indication his brother was in any distress before he collapsed.
He said Cathal was hard working and got on with everyone. “He was committed to hurling and his girlfriend Sheila. As a sportsman, he was reliable and the type of player who wouldn’t let you down.”
Countyman Ambrose Gordon said: “Cathal had a quiet temperament and was a gentleman.
“When I met him last week we were having the banter about club hurling back in Galway. He was always in good form and loved his hurling.”
