Tipperary GAA community devastated following death of Aoife Shelly (22)

Tributes have been paid following the death of a young Tipperary woman who had a passion for Gaelic games, and who was a “role model to both young and old.”

Aoife Shelly of Clonakenny, Roscrea, died suddenly on Sunday, March 30, aged 22. Predeceased by her grandfather Paddy Shelly, Aoife is mourned with “inexpressible grief” by her heartbroken mother Claire, Dad Joe, brother Eoghan, grandparents Tom, Anne Hassett and Eileen Shelly, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and a very large circle of friends.

Aoife will lie in repose in Grey’s Funeral Home Templemore this Wednesday evening, April 2, from 3pm to 7pm. Requiem mass will take place in St Brigid’s Church, Clonakenny, on Thursday at 12 noon. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery afterwards.

There has been an outpouring of sympathies and condolences among the GAA community and beyond for the popular GAA player. Moyne Templetuohy LGFA said it was “with inexpressible sadness” that they as a club learned on Sunday evening of the sudden passing of “our beloved Aoife, team mate and friend.”

“Words simply cannot express the devastation and void this loss will leave on our club. Aoife has been a constant presence in our club for all of her 22 years. From being on the sideline as a small child supporting her mam, Claire and aunts Áine and Trish to reaching the pinnacle of her club career – winning the Junior A County Final only 5 months ago, Aoife has always been at the centre of our club’s successes.

“Aoife’s bubbly, fiery and tenacious nature always shone on and off the field. Most referees will remember Aoife for never backing down – like mother like daughter.

The late Aoife Shelly.

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“Aoife’s leadership, communication and commitment, even when she would arrive late to training with the response ‘I was just closing up the shop’ was admired by all. Aoife was a role model to both young and old and an inspiration to the younger members of our club who were lucky enough to be coached by her.

“Aoife has always been the life and soul of every celebration which was never more evident than in our recent county final and dinner dance celebrations.

“Aoife’s infectious smile, devilment, caring nature and unwavering spirit is embedded into our club and will forever remain. We are so blessed to have known such a truly wonderful person and will cherish the memories forever.

“We think also of Aoife’s teammates and friends in Templemore Camogie Club and Clonakenny GAA and her many college friends in Limerick and beyond.

“While our hearts are so heavy, we send all our love and thoughts to Claire, Joe, Eoghan and all of the Hassett and Shelly Families at this utterly devastating time. Aoife will be our forever teammate and friend.”

RIP Aoife Shelly

Damian Johnston, chairperson of the Tipperary Ladies Football, paid a heartfelt tribute to Aoife. “It is with immense sorrow and heartbreak that we share the devastating news of the passing of Aoife Shelly, a shining star of Moyne Templetuohy Ladies Football Club, who left us far too soon at just 22 years of age.

“Aoife wasn’t just a talented footballer — she was a cherished teammate, a loyal friend, and a proud member of the wider Tipperary LGFA community. Her passion, kindness, and radiant spirit lit up every pitch she stepped onto. Number 15 on the field, but number one in the hearts of so many.

“Aoife played a major part in Under 14 and 16 County Teams and was part of various County Development squads over the years. Aoife was accompanied by her mam, Claire, on many an LGFA outing as Claire was involved in many teams over the years as physio.

“Aoife’s success at club level can be measured a lot more than by all the medals she won with Moyne Templetuohy over the years, if she wasn't playing in a game, she was always present at games encouraging her club mates.

Aoife Shelly of Clonakenny, Roscrea, died suddenly on Sunday, March 30, aged 22

“This loss cuts deeply through our clubs, schools, families, and communities. As we try to come to terms with the pain, we hold Aoife’s family, teammates, coaches, and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. No words will ever be enough, but we hope the love and support of the community brings even a small measure of comfort in this incredibly difficult time.

“I know you join with me in extending our deepest sympathies to Aoife's heartbroken mother and father, Claire and Joe and to her devasted young brother, Eoghan. We send our condolences to Aoife's grandparents, Ann and Tom Hassett and Eileen Shelly, who we know were pivotal in Aoife's young life and upbringing.

“We send our support and love to all the extended family and friends of Aoife. Our thoughts are with all in Moyne Templetuohy LGFA Club and to Templemore Camogie Club and all the communities of Moyne, Templetuohy, Clonakenny and Templemore.

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“Rest in peace, Aoife. Your light will never fade from our memories. You’ll forever be part of the fabric of Tipperary Ladies Football - a true inspiration to all who knew you.”

Moyne Templetuohy Parish said, “It is with immense sadness that we learned of the sad passing of Aoife Shelly. It's hard to put into words the sense of loss that has overcome our parish and all in Clonakenny in recent days.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Claire, Joe and Eoghan and the extended Shelly and Hassett families. Our thoughts go out to you all at this sad time and indeed to all those who knew Aoife.”

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