MAN, 25, DIES AFTER FOOTIE
TRAGEDY OF PITCHSIDE COLLAPSE Paul’s family lead tributes to ‘a caring, kind gentleman’
EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to a man who collapsed and died while playing football with his brothers and friends.
Paul Gillen, from South Dublin, was taken to Tallaght Hospital on Thursday, where he was pronounced dead.
His devastated sister Lisa described the 25-year-old as “a true gentleman, who was always caring and kind”.
A MAN of 25 has died after collapsing while he was playing football.
Paul Gillen, from Ballyroan, South Dublin, passed away following a kickabout with his brothers and a group of friends.
He was rushed to Tallaght Hospital on Thursday where he was later pronounced dead.
In a touching tribute, his brother David told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “Paul was the most caring and kind-hearted person.
“He passed away enjoying his great passion which was football. He was the brother anybody could ask for and he will be missed deeply.”
Paul’s sister Lisa added: “He was a true gentleman who was always caring and kind, RIP my gorgeous brother.” It is understood Paul had a heart condition known as pulmonary stenosis.
TRUE LOVE
He worked with his father Padraig at the Thermal Insulation Distributors Ltd in Blanchardstown. In a Facebook post, Lisa pleaded with people to wear red to his funeral, as Liverpool was his “one true love”.
Paul’s football club Firhouse Clover said: “The club is deeply saddened to hear some awful news.
“We offer our condolences to our Saturday team players and brothers Dave and Ryan Gillen on the tragic news on the passing of their brother Paul while playing football on Thursday night, which is very hard to take at such a young age.
“Dave and Ryan are two very popular players around the club and we will support them in the coming days and from all at Firhouse Clover FC, our sincere condolences to the lads and their family at this sad time.
“As a mark of respect today’s game versus Templeogue is called off. RIP Paul Gillen.”
Paul will be waked at home this evening with his funeral Mass tomorrow at 10am in Church of the Holy Spirit, Ballyroan followed by burial in Mount Venus Cemetery.
Paul is survived by his parents Padraig and Lillian, siblings Shaun, Orlagh, David, Ryan and Lisa and grandparents Tony, Kay, Agnes.
The club is saddened to hear some awful news which is very hard to take FIRHOUSE CLOVER ON DEATH OF PAUL GILLEN