Talented Louis (23) was a mentor and a ‘warrior on the pitch’
THERE was an outpouring of grief throughout Dunlavin and its surrounding areas following the death of local man Louis Caplis on Thursday.
The 23-year-old from Tournant was well-known for his footballing talent and had lined out for Dunlavin GAA Club the previous Sunday in their Intermediate Football Championship match against neighbouring club Stratford-Grangecon.
In recent days, messages of sympathy have flowed from the GAA community throughout the county, with many clubs posting tributes to Louis on their social media pages.
Dunlavin GAA Club’s committee and members were devastated to hear of the loss of such a young life and described their friend as ‘a warrior on the pitch’.
‘Louis took his position on the full back line of our Intermediate team, making the number 4 jersey his own. Louis has played football from underage with Dunlavin, and joined forces with Donard/Glen from the age of 12 for juvenile football, where he captained the St Nicholas Minor team and led them to a county final win in 2012. Great memories were created for our club on this occasion,’ a committee spokesperson said.
They also acknowledged the strong bond between Louis and his team-mates.
‘Louis was working behind the scenes on our committee for the past number of months, and had been working with juvenile teams mentoring younger players in recent years. Louis also stepped in to help out with our junior side this year. Rest in peace, our friend Louis.’
Son of Martin and Carmel Caplis, Louis was often seen working behind the bar in The Dunlavin Inn, which is owned by his parents. Since his death, many have remarked on what a kind and friendly manner Louis had with customers.
He also studied Accounting at Carlow Institute of Technology.
The GAA community rallied around the Caplis family and provided a guard of honour as Louis was laid to rest on Sunday. Many different club jerseys were seen on the day also, as the family had requested that they be worn where possible.
Louis is survived by his parents Martin and Carmel, brother Marty, sister Mary Ellen, aunties, uncles, grandmother and friends.
May he rest in peace. NOMINATIONS are in for the Wicklow People of the Year awards, with a record 59 applications made on behalf of some amazing people across the county.
Judges are in the process of selecting the winners and face extremely tough decisions as each and every person nominated is deserving of recognition. The committee said that they wish they could give each nominee an award. A spokeswoman for the panel said that each person tasked with choosing the winners was moved by so many stories of those who have enhanced the lives of others.
Groups, organisations and individuals nominated people of all ages from all over the county for the good that they have done within their communities. The winners will be presented with their awards at a gala ceremony in the Glenview Hotel, Glen of the Downs, on Friday, September 21.
The evening will include a meal, presentation of the awards and some music and dancing. The awards are run by the Wicklow Hospice Foundation and Wicklow County Council in conjunction with the Wicklow People and Bray People.