'Heartbroken' at death of 'smashing young man' - Laois tributes paid to teenager

Portlaoise CBS, GAA and rugby clubs in Laois have paid tribute to the late Ronan McNamara who lost his life this week.

His local Timahoe GAA club, with whom he played, led the tributes to the boy who was aged just 15 when he died after going this week from his home in Timahoe.

"It is with deep regret and great sadness that the community of Timahoe has been plunged into, with the heartbreaking passing of our fellow Gael Ronan McNamara. Ronan was a young man with bags of talent and huge potential. He had a keen interest in football where he would regularly be seen in our clubhouse, always trying to improve himself be it in our gym or in the field.

"Just last Sunday, Ronan represented the colours of the Stradbally Parish Gaels and acquitted himself, as always, with a display of pure heart, grit and determination. Ronan would have been eligible to play adult football for Timahoe in the not so distant future.

"Ronan’s grandfather, Pat Smyth, donned the red and white of Timahoe for many years and is still a massive part of our club where he currently takes the reins with our Junior football team. Ronan’s cousin Cathal Molloy also currently plays for both our Junior and Intermediate football teams.

"Our sincerest condolences go out to Ronan’s dad, Paul, his mam, Yvonne, his sister, Orlaith and the extended McNamara and Smyth families. Due to his popularity, Ronan accumulated many friends, of whom we also send our deepest sympathies.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam, Ronan McNamara," concluded the tribute.

There was also a tribute from Stradbally Parish Gaels which is an amalgamation of Stradbally, Annanough and Timahoe GAA clubs at underage level.

"Ronan was a smashing young man & it was an honour and privilege to have been part of his journey. We are all heartbroken for Ronan his dad Paul his mam Yvonne his sister Orlaith all the McNamara & Smyth families & friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Ronan," said the tribute.

There was also a tribute from Portlaoise Rugby Club which said there was great sadness at news of Ronan’s death.

"It was with great shock and sadness that Portlaoise RFC learned today of the death of Ronan McNamara. Ronan was part of last year’s U/16’s team, was a very popular young lad and a super rugby player," it said

The club's U/16s squad met on Wednesday, August 10 at the clubhouse in Togher to give each other support and to remember their teammate.

Portlaoise GAA club also extended its condolences.

"Everyone in Portlaoise GAA is extremely saddened to hear of the tragic passing of this talented young man from Timahoe.

Just last week Ronan McNamara was playing championship football with Stradbally Parish Gaels where he gave his all, as was the norm from him.

"Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies go out to Ronan’s dad Paul, his mam Yvonne, his sister Orlaith, and to the extended McNamara and Smyth families. And to all of Ronan’s friends, many of who are from our club," concluded the tribute.

Ronan was a pupil of Portlaoise CBS. The school opened on Thursday afternoon, August 10 for friends and classmates to gather. School counsellors and psychologists were on hand to offer support.

The school, which tragically lost pupil David Brown in a tragic accident in Easter 2023, also paid tribute.

"It is with shock and sadness that our school community learned of the death of Ronan McNamara TY yesterday afternoon.

We are heartbroken to have lost such a bright and pleasant young man, as described by his teachers and peers.

Ronan had a wide array of interests, playing football for Stradbally GAA, rugby for Portlaoise RFC and was a talented guitar player.

"To Ronan’s family and friends, our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to you. We must now support each other in the difficult days ahead. We must be there for one another," said the school.

A Garda search for Ronan was stood down after remains were discovered on Wednesday, August 9.