A young Co Limerick junior soccer player died in an accident during a cup match yesterday morning. Mr Eamon Quinlan (21), Kildromin, Kilteely, was a student at the University of Limerick. He is survived by his father Ned, mother Margaret and brother John. The accident took place during a Madden Cup tie between Kilteely FC and Limerick United at Kilteely's grounds. The game was only 16 minutes old at about 10:30 a.m. when the young midfield player went up with an opponent to head the ball. He fell on his stomach and when it was noticed he was not moving, play was stopped immediately.
Dr Utan Shavan, a brother-in-law of one of the players, was at the match and he came to Mr Quinlan's assistance. Dr Michael Casey from Limerick Regional Hospital also arrived at the scene. Mr Quinlan was removed to Limerick Regional Hospital and was dead on admission. A post-mortem is to be carried out.
A spokesman for Kilteely FC, Mr Michael O'Connell, said last night: "We are all devastated. It all happened in seconds and the club and the parish are in deep shock after this terrible tragedy Eamon was a nice quiet and unassuming lad who also played GAA with Kilteely/Dromkeen. "Eamon will be a terrible loss to the club, the parish and his family."
He said everything possible was done by the medical people at the scene.