GAA PRESIDENT CHIRSTY Cooney has paid tribute to Ciarán Jones, a member of the Garda Síochána who died tragically during the flooding on Monday.
Twenty-five-year-old Jones was trying to help people affected by the floods when he was pulled into the River Liffey.
His body was recovered yesterday morning at Ballyward Bridge at Manor Kilbride in Wicklow.
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The Kilbride footballer was part of Mick O’Dwyer’s senior football panel in the county in 2007 and 2008, as well as volunteering as a referee at juvenile level.
“Ciarán’s passing has struck a chord with everyone, including those of us here in Australia,” said Cooney, who is currently on tour with the International Rules panel in Melbourne.
“He lost his life doing what he did every day – looking out for others – and it is a tribute to the character of the man that he was off duty on Monday night when he got into difficulty.
“Speaking to those who knew him, he was highly regarded, a free spirit, the life and soul of his club and someone who energised people.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to this family and wide circle of friends and of course his club where he will also be sorely missed,” he added.
Praise from GAA president for Garda lost during Wicklow flooding
GAA PRESIDENT CHIRSTY Cooney has paid tribute to Ciarán Jones, a member of the Garda Síochána who died tragically during the flooding on Monday.
Twenty-five-year-old Jones was trying to help people affected by the floods when he was pulled into the River Liffey.
His body was recovered yesterday morning at Ballyward Bridge at Manor Kilbride in Wicklow.
The Kilbride footballer was part of Mick O’Dwyer’s senior football panel in the county in 2007 and 2008, as well as volunteering as a referee at juvenile level.
“Ciarán’s passing has struck a chord with everyone, including those of us here in Australia,” said Cooney, who is currently on tour with the International Rules panel in Melbourne.
“Speaking to those who knew him, he was highly regarded, a free spirit, the life and soul of his club and someone who energised people.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to this family and wide circle of friends and of course his club where he will also be sorely missed,” he added.
Earlier, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and Justice Minister Alan Shatter extended their sympathies to the jones family.
Tributes paid to young Garda lost during flooding
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Christy Cooney Ciaran Jones Flooding Floods GAA Gaelic Games Garda Ciarán Jones River Liffey tributes Wicklow flooding Wickoow GAA