Today brought the tragic news that Kerry footballer Patrick Curtin died as a result of injuries suffered in a car crash in Guatemala last week.
He played for Kerry during the 2012 and 2013 championship seasons and has been working in Guatemala since September. He was airlifted to a hospital in Florida during the week and his family have been maintaining a bedside vigil for the past week.
His passing was confirmed by Kerry GAA this morning.
Footballers from Kerry and beyond paid tribute today. The GPA also released a statement.
Devastated to hear the news about Paddy Curtin. Great player but an even better guy who'll be sorely missed. RIP buddy
— Darran O'Sullivan (@Darransull86) December 29, 2015
Heartbreaking re Paddy Curtin. Played primary game - Kerry senior with him. Great player and the life of all squads. May he rest in peace — David Moran (@D1Moran) December 29, 2015
Devastated to hear the tragic news of the passing of our great friend Paddy Curtin.All our taught's are with his family #RIP #Kerryfamily
— colm cooper (@colmcooper13) December 29, 2015
North Kerry has lost a tough one in Paddy Curtin. Awfully sad news. Thoughts are with his family & friends & the whole Moyvane community. — Mike Quirke (@Mike_Quirke) December 29, 2015
An awful tragedy. A great footballer and lovely young fella. Not right. RIP Paddy ??
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) December 29, 2015
Gutted to hear about Paddy Curtin. Great Friend and teammate. One of lifes great Characters, never shyed away from the craic. #RIP ??
— Anthony Kennedy (@antokeeeeeendy1) December 29, 2015
RIP Patrick Curtin. Very sad news. Thoughts and prayers with family and friends. — Donie Shine (@donie_89) December 29, 2015
Shocked to hear of the passing of young #Kerry footballer, Patrick Curtin. Sincere sympathy to his family, & to all in Moyvane
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) December 29, 2015
Devastating news re the loss of Patrick Curtin memories of his brilliance on the football field live on may you stay 'Forever Young' Paddy — Sylvester Hennessy (@Slyone1069) December 29, 2015
Thoughts and prayers with @Kerry_Official Patrick curtin and his family. Terribly sad news of his passing abroad. ???RIP
— Conor.mortimer (@Conmort) December 29, 2015
Saddened to hear the passing of @Kerry_Official player Paddy Curtin this morn. Quality baller and a real sound guy on/off the pitch. RIP — Kevin Keane (@kevkeane3) December 29, 2015
Johnny Stack, the chairman of Moyvane GAA club, said on Radio Kerry today:
It's a tragedy really for his poor mother and his Dad and his two sisters. Whenever he was around he played with us. He was a great clubman. We're all very proud of what he achieved. We'll miss him. More than anything, everybody in the club will rally around his Mum and Dad and give him what support we can.
GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell said: “On behalf of the county playing body I would like offer our sincere sympathies to the Curtin family, to Kerry GAA, the Moyvane club and to everyone associated with Patrick whose tragic loss has come as a terrible shock to the GAA community. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
