Promising GAA star Gilligan dies

Hurler Jason Gilligan has died in Portlaoise Regional Hospital after collapsing during a club training session at the weekend…

Hurler Jason Gilligan has died in Portlaoise Regional Hospital after collapsing during a club training session at the weekend.

The 19-year-old suffered a brain haemorrhage while training with his Laois club Ballyfin on Sunday. He never regained consciousness.

He was rushed to Portlaoise Regional Hospital, before being transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, and was then returned to Portlaoise on Sunday night.

Gilligan had been on a life support machine since then. His parents agreed to turn off the machine late last night and donate their son's organs.

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Damien Connelly, from Ballyfin GAA Club, said everyone was left deeply shocked by the tragedy.

"This is a very sad occasion for our club," he said.

Gilligan was a promising hurler and footballer and last week represented his club in both codes as they recorded a championship double.

The news comes after the sudden death of former Laois footballer and prominent club coach Bobby Miller (56).

Miller was taken ill on Saturday night and received medical attention but was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.