'We will never meet another Davo' - GAA club leads tributes after tragic death of player

A well-known GAA club has led tributes to one of its members who passed away recently, describing him as a club legend.

The tribute was posted by Thomas Davis GAA Club from Tallaght about their much-loved member Neil Davoren who passed away recently in Beaumont Hospital. 

"As a club and community we are mourning the passing of one of the clubs great characters and players Neil Davoren (Hector!). It’s never easy composing condolence messages for our club members, but particularly for our younger Club Players. We hope the huge show of support from the club and the wider Tallaght community over the last week has been some comfort to all the family during this difficult time. This support will continue over the time to come," the club posted on social media. 

The club noted that the Davorens and wider extended family are steeped in GAA and sport with links to Drimnagh boxing club, Newtown Rangers soccer club, Glenville Pitch & Putt, Tallaght RFC and Thomas Davis GAA.

"Neil started GAA from a very young age in Thomas Davis as his proud dad Myles was the team manager, assisted by his sidekick Larry Doyle. Both Myles and Larry put a huge effort into the 1986 boys team, many of which went onto to play adult football and hurling in the club.

"From an early age Neil would prove to be a very popular child, excelling in sport , making plenty of friends and always up for a good laugh. Although Myles would always be on hand to rein Neil in for any messing on team trips, bus trips to matches etc! Neil advanced through the grades at ease often as the main talisman racking up most of the scores with his fine right boot. Neil went onto represent the club at senior, inter, and most recently a valued member of our junior 1 football team where he was a great role model for our younger adult players," the Thomas Davis club said.

"Neil’s passion wasn’t just GAA, he loved his underage football with Aylesbury football club along with pitch and putt with our neighbours in Glenville. Neil was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending his time with his friends on the golf course. Neil went onto play football for Newtown Rangers in his mid 20s and quickly got the knickname 'Mini' due to his older brother Shane who played at the club as well, he went onto play for the club for a decade and was known as Mr Consistent who was always at least a 8/10 every game held his infamous number 2 jersey down for his entire tenure at Newtown. He built up many friendships from his time with Newtown and various sporting events," the club said.

"Since Neil came into the world Marion and Myles would prove to be the proudest of loving parents, none more so than of Neil and his beloved wife Niamh, whom he married in 2018 before having two beautiful children Ted (3) and Isabelle (2). An amazing day was enjoyed by all of Niamh and Neil's friends and family in the beautiful Castlemartyr, Co Cork. Neil’s spirit will live on in his children. He was a great father to both his young children and a great husband to the love of his life Niamh," the club added. 

While the club noted that Neil was the youngest child and probably the most spoilt at the best of times! - he had two fantastic loving older siblings in Shane and Aoife.

"Shane and Aoife would prove to be great role models growing up, always having each others back and always having time for each other and their families + friends".

Neil was an avid sports fan and in particular had a  love of Liverpool and Dublin GAA, which held no bounds.

"He loved nothing more than supporting the Dubs on the Hill, shouting for Liverpool in Anfield or watching the games in Ahernes over a few pints. He took great enjoyment from Dublin and Liverpool's success over the last number of years. Dublin landing a famous 6-in-a-row and Liverpool winning champions league and premiership titles. Memories of a lifetime shared with his friends and family," the club said. 

Neil will be sadly missed by all on Kiltipper Road, by his large circle of friends and family, "but one thing is for sure we will never meet another Davo. A great person, team mate, friend, father, husband, son and brother," the tribute said.

"His memory will live on for many years to come. A true Tallaght and Thomas Davis legend," the club added.