GAA club leads tributes to Irish man with 'trademark smile' killed on Bolivian adventure

Tributes have poured in for a young Irish man described as a "free spirit" and a "remarkable soul" after his tragic death while travelling in Bolivia last Friday.

Oisín Hoy, from Clontarf in Dublin, died following a car crash while exploring Bolivia. The 29-year-old had been "living his life to the fullest on his Bolivian adventure," according to his RIP.ie death notice.

Oisín is survived by his parents, Kevin and Mary, and siblings Peter, Niamh and Caoimhe. The Hoy family are deeply involved in their local GAA community, with Kevin serving as vice-chairman of Clontarf GAA and Mary an active committee member.

Oisín himself had been a devoted member of Clontarf GAA, playing both hurling and football from juvenile level all the way into the adult ranks.

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The club paid a heartfelt tribute to him, recalling his infectious positivity and passion for travel: "It was with a sense of deep shock that we learned of the tragic and all too early death of Oisin Hoy, son of Kevin and Mary. The Hoys are a real club family: Kevin is currently vice-chair and Mary is an active committee member in the club and Oisin's brother and sisters, Peter, Niamh and Caoimhe have all played for Clontarf.

"Oisin was a long standing member of the club having played all the way through the juvenile ranks in hurling and football and into the world of adult football. He is remembered by all who played with him or coached him as a hugely positive person. He always presented with a smile and made a significant contribution to any team he played with.

"His trademark smile is pictured here with Mary and Kevin after completing the Barcelona marathon on his birthday on 16th March, still representing the club after all these years!

"Oisin, however, was more than a footballer. He was an inveterate traveller with a deep interest in other countries, cultures and, above all, in people. This interest in travelling took him to all arts and parts of the world in recent years, most recently to South America. It was there, in Bolivia, that the fatal car crash occurred.

"There is little that we can say to Kevin, Mary and the rest of the Hoy family at this tragic time other than to note that we will always remember Oisin as one who brought joy, warmth and happiness to any conversation."

Other friends and loved ones have also shared memories of Oisín online, painting a picture of a young man whose kindness, energy and smile left a lasting mark on everyone he met.

"Thinking of you all at this time. A true gentleman whose smile lit up every room he entered," one mourner wrote.

Another described him as "a truly remarkable soul, one of the warmest, kindest people I've ever known. He had a deep love for life and a big spirit of adventure that was contagious. He always spoke of exploring the world, and he found joy in sharing those experiences and adventures with everyone around him. His presence brought light and warmth wherever he went, and his absence is deeply felt."

A colleague remembered Oisín as "a real beam of light in work, it was always such a pleasure to chat to him and he truly made an impression on all of his colleagues…always smiling and friendly with a wonderful energy.”

Another friend added: "I'm truly shocked and saddened to hear about Oisín's passing. He was such a fun loving person and had a great appetite for adventure. Whether he was preparing for a race or an upcoming trip, he would speak with such passion and excitement about it."

In lieu of flowers, Oisín's family have asked those wishing to show support to consider donating to Oscar Kids, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, or Home Tree - or to plant a native tree or pollinator plants "to represent how Oisín was everywhere and will continue to be".

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

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