'Complete shock, numbness and disbelief' in Cloonfad

Cloonfad United Football Club has this evening spoken of the “complete shock, numbness and disbelief” that has enveloped the club and community following the tragic death in a road collision on Friday night of Harry Fagan (19) and James Daniels (13).

The two young men lost their lives in the road tragedy near the club grounds on Friday night where a senior game had just kicked off.

Harry from Lavalleyroe, Cloonfad and James from Swinefield, Cloonfad will be laid to rest next week.

“As we gathered yesterday evening at our club grounds looking forward to another senior game and both our boys’ and girls’ U-11 teams just having completed their Friday evening schedule what unfolded has left the Cloonfad community in complete shock, numbness and disbelief,” said the club.

“James Daniels was a member of our U-14 squad that recently won the RDYSL Division One championship and he scored a number of goals during their campaign. James loved being with his teammates and friends and had a lovely friendly personality to match,” said the club.

“Harry Fagan played for Cloonfad all the way through our underage programme. Playing mostly in the midfield he always gave his best.

“Of course people involved in the game locally would be well aware of the Fagan name. They have given so much to our club in various different platforms and are so generous with their time to all local volunteer groups.

“Our hearts are broken for both families and we send our prayers and support to the Daniels, Cunniffe, Fagan, Moran and Reinhardt families. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

“Our game last evening was only a few minutes when it was abandoned and we thank referee Aiyo Bolarinwa for his quick judgement.

“Deepest gratitude also to our friends at Skyvalley Rovers Football Club for their sincerity shown afterwards,” said the club.