talented twin, 16, dies suddenly after feeling ill during GAA training session

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A community in Co. Mayo is in shock following the death of a young minor footballer on Tuesday.

Christopher Gavin, 16, who plays Gaelic football with Westport GAA Club became ill at training and subsequently passed away at Mayo University Hospital on Tuesday April 29 .

Christopher was a Transition Year Student at Rice College in Westport and his twin brother Michael is also part of the Westport Minor squad.

In a statement a distraught Westport GAA Club said: ‘’Our town of Westport, its schools and our GAA community woke today to the heartbreaking news that Christopher Gavin, one of our current GAA minor players, a dedicated teammate and a true friend to so many had passed away while in Mayo General Hospital early this morning.

"Chris’s twin brother Michael is also a member of our minor squad, with both players committed to their teams and teammates over their many years at our club."

The statement added: "All of our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with the Gavin family at this tragic time. As the twins’ coaches, we are utterly lost for words to express how sad our whole GAA community is feeling right now for this immense loss. We extend to Chris’ parents Karen and Mike, his sisters Cathy and Emma and his inseparable twin brother Michael, our heartfelt condolences as you and our community try to come to terms with this sudden and tragic news."

Chris lined out with his team against Achill last week, where he played with the number 15 jersey. The club said ‘’Chris’ team came away with a win that day, and it is nice to know that his last game representing his club was a happy memory for him. As a mark of respect to Chris and his family, that winning number 15 jersey of Chris’ will be retired for the rest of our season, ensuring Chris will be remembered as part of our squad at every game by his team and club."

The club said that dealing with the loss will be difficult. They added: ‘’We have had opportunities in the past to discuss with Chris’ teammates about getting over the loss of a game, how we support each other, and how we pick each other up and go again. Chris’ teammates and our GAA community now take up that same challenge by supporting the Gavin family during these very sad days. The devastating loss of such a great son, brother, friend and teammate will need us all to surround Chris' family with our support and love in the weeks and months ahead."

In a statement Rice College said ‘’A light went out in Rice College Westport today as we lost a wonderful Transition Year student. Christopher (Chris) Gavin passed away at the youthful age of 16 years old. The school community of Rice College are struggling after hearing of his passing in Mayo General Hospital. We extend our sympathies to Chris’s parents Michael and Karen. To his twin brother Michael, his sisters Cathy and Emma. May his gentle soul rest in peace’’.

Chris is survived by his parents Michael and Karen, his twin brother Michael, sisters Cathy and Emma. His remains will repose at McGing's Funeral Home in Westport on Friday, May 2 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday May 3, in St. Mary’s Church, Westport with funeral proceeding to Aughavale Cemetery.

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