Huge crowd mourns GAA hero killed in car crash
Avril Shannon walks behind the coffin of her husband Ciaran clutching his GAA boots as mourners escort the funeral to the nearby St Bridgid's Church in Annacurra, Co Wicklow, last night
Tuesday June 30 2009
MORE than 1,000 mourners turned out last night to pay tribute to a talented GAA footballer who was tragically killed in a road accident on his way to a match at the weekend.
Insurance broker Ciaran Shannon from Annacurra, Co Wicklow, was travelling to Blessington to line out for his club on Saturday when he was involved in a four-car pile-up. His pregnant wife and the couple's three daughters -- Ciara (8), Lacey-Jane (6) and Jade (4) -- were also in the vehicle, but escaped with minor injuries.
Local priest Fr James Hammel last night praised the talented player, whom he said was a man who could always be relied upon to get things done. And he said people were finding it hard to come to terms with the suddenness of the death.
He paid the tributes last night before a removal mass for Mr Shannon (37), whose remains were escorted by a GAA guard of honour on the short journey from his home in Moneyteigue, Aughrim, to St Brigid's Church, Annacurra.
Players from his local team, Annacurra football club, carried Mr Shannon's coffin from Annacurra crossroads to the church. They also laid a wreath in the church emblazoned with the number eight that had been on the club jersey he wore. Players from Sligo, where Mr Shannon won an intermediate championship medal, also took part in the guard of honour.
Wife Avril carried his football boots, while their daughter Ciara (8) sat beside her with a large bandage on her head.
Homestead
Mr Shannon had been involved in sporting activities in the area for years and had also been on the board of management in the local national school. "He was a man you could rely on to get things done. He was born and bred in Annacurra and he got married and settled down near his old homestead," Fr Hammel said.
Mr Shannon's funeral takes place at St Brigid's Church, Annacurra, today at 11am. Burial will be in the adjoining cemetery.
- Patricia McDonagh
