Kerry GAA star dies days after All-Ireland final win with county plunged into sadness

The GAA community in Kerry has been plunged into sadness days after the county’s famous All-Ireland win over Donegal after the sad death of a former intercounty minor star.

Jamie Doolan was a stalwart for Dr Crokes, the famous Kerry club also home to the likes of Colm Cooper and current Kerry captain Gavin White. A homecoming event for White planned for Tuesday evening has been cancelled as a mark of respect.

Jamie Doolan played minor football in the Kerry colours and his club led tributes to him on Monday evening.

A statement from Dr Crokes said: “All in Dr Crokes are shocked to hear of the untimely passing of our former player, minor selector and club member Jamie Doolan.

“Jamie was a brilliant underage player representing Dr Crokes at all levels before turning his hand to management and he was involved in senior and minor management teams over the last number of years.

“A very knowledgeable selector who was very popular with all club members, Jamie will be sorely missed by his many friends in the club. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Doolan family in this difficult time. As a mark of respect tomorrow night’s [Tuesday] captain’s homecoming to the Dr Crokes clubhouse will not be going ahead. May Jamie rest in peace.”

READ NEXT: 'Do not eat' - Fresh listeria fears as salad pulled from shelves in Irish supermarkets

Others were quick to pay tribute to the young man after his untimely death. One friend wrote: “Completely devastated, Jamie was one of the best, spent the summer of 2013 with him in Boston, spent weekends in Killarney with him and the fellas, chatted football on a regular basis, I’ll never forget Jamie, thinking of Shane & Doolan family.”

Another added: “A great friend to me and an even better human being. Please god be good to him. May his pure soul rest in eternal peace. Not a nicer person could you ever meet. Many thoughts and much love to his family at this heartbreaking time. Love you Jamie.”

ABOVE: Jamie Doolan (far left wearing No. 15) celebrates with his teammates after Dr Crokes won the 2012 Kerry Senior Football Championship PIC: Sportsfile

Another local wrote: “The mark Jamie has left on all us Crokes people will never be forgotten, what a man he was to all our underage players. To have him as a man deeply involved with the minors for quite a while now; his passion and love for them all will always burn bright. Rest easy, Jamie, never to be lost in our hearts or souls. My sincere condolences to all his family and clubs.”