Tributes have been paid to a local sportsman who passed away earlier today.

Luke Harney (33) from Grannagh, Kilmacow, Kilkenny was an accomplished sportsman who lined out for Kilkenny in underage hurling while he also played soccer for Ferrybank and Waterford inter-league squads.

The Kilmacow man won the All-Ireland minor hurling title with Kilkenny in 2010. Harney worked for Tirlán at their Belview base, and Kilmacow GAA Club said in a statement that they were devastated to announce his passing.

“It is with unbearable sadness that we must share the terrible news that our beloved teammate, club member and friend Luke Harney has passed away in hospital during the night. There are no words that will help at a time like this. Our thoughts are with Tash and his 2 little girls and all his family, friends, and teammates.”

“As a group and a club, we will stay strong together in these worst of times. He was our leader, and we will miss him incredibly. All Kilmacow club activity will be postponed this coming week until further notice while we mourn the loss of Luke.“

Ferrybank GAA Club have also expressed sympathies.

“Everyone at Ferrybank GAA Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Luke Harney. We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to Luke’s family and friends, and also to our neighbours in Kilmacow GAA and the wider community. Luke was a dear friend to so many within our club, and his loss will be felt deeply. It is hard to put into words the sadness we all feel. May he rest in peace.”

Sadly missed by his cherished fiancée Natasha (Tash) and adored daughters Holly and Sofia, heartbroken parents Paul and Jacinta, brother Gerry & sister-in-law Kristina, brothers Shane and Jake and their partners Cliona and Lauryn, father-in-law Willie, brother-in-law Keith and his wife Sharon, aunts, uncles, aunts-in-law, uncles-in-law, nieces and nephews Aoibhe, Sadhbh, Jack, Alfie, Toby and Poppy, cousins, relatives, his GAA family and a wide circle of friends.

Luke will repose on Wednesday at Donnacha Doyle & Sons, Funeral Home, Grannagh, Kilmacow from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. His funeral cortège will arrive on Thursday at St. Senan’s Church, Kilmacow for Requiem Mass at 2:00pm, followed by burial after in the adjoining cemetery.

May Luke rest in peace.

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