LAST UPDATE | 22 Apr 2022

AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY has been stunned into silence by the tragic death of a young GAA star in Co Galway, her funeral has been told.

Kate Moran, 20, from the village of Monivea, was fatally injured playing for Athenry Camogie Club in a senior league game in Ardrahan on Monday.

A rising star of the sport who won two All-Ireland medals for Galway at under-16 level, she died in hospital on Tuesday.

GAA players from Monivea and Athenry lined the route outside the Church of The Sacred Heart, Ryehill, Monivea, with many gathered for over an hour before the funeral began.

Galway and Athenry GAA flags flickered outside the church as dozens listened to the service. 

Parish priest Ronnie Boyle said the community “has been stunned into silence by this inconceivable, terrible, unfortunate accident”.

He said the best way to celebrate Kate’s life is with words and action “because that’s what Kate was”.

He described her as a “beautiful young woman, blessed with so much talent and ability in this life”.

“Talent as a camogie player, what a bright future she had,” he told mourners.

An intelligent and ambitious student, a caring daughter, friend and teammate. The more we think about all her qualities, the more we are confounded by the nature of her death”

He described her life as “filled by such promise” and said she had a beautiful, deeply loving family.

Kate was a third-year student at NUI Galway’s College of Business, Public Policy and Law.

“We at NUI Galway are deeply saddened at the sudden, tragic death of student Kate Moran and extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones,” the university said in a statement.

On Wednesday evening, crowds turned out at Kenny Park in Athenry for a vigil for Ms Moran.

 Athenry Camogie Club said her death was a “terrible tragedy for her family, our club and our community”.

“Our sympathy and thoughts are with the Moran family and friends. Kate will be greatly missed by all who knew her,” the club said.

Kate played with Athenry Camogie Club at underage level and senior A level and held a Féile, county minor and other titles. She played in a club All-Ireland intermediate final.

“She won two All-Irelands at U16 level with Galway, both titles she was incredibly proud of,” the Athenry club said.

“She was a tremendous role model for our many underage players and a wonderful leader both on and off the field of play. Her bubbly personality will be remembered for eternity.”

- With reporting by Lauren Boland