'Our leader' GAA community devastated after tragic death of minor All-Ireland winner and father of two aged 33

Tributes have been paid following the tragic passing of a former All-Ireland minor hurling winning player with Kilkenny at the age of 33. Luke Harney from Kilmacow was a father of two young girls and husband to Natasha. He passed away in University Hospital Waterford on Monday, September 8th 'surrounded by his loving family'.

Harney won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship with Kilkenny in 2010 and went on to represent the county at under-21 level. He later added an All-Ireland Intermediate hurling medal in 2016.

A Kilmacow GAA statement read: "It is with unbearable sadness that we must share the terrible news that our beloved teammate, club member and friend Luke Harney has passed away in hospital during the night. There are no words that will help at a time like this. Our thoughts are with Tash and his two little girls and all his family, friends, and teammates.

"As a group and a club, we will stay strong together in these worst of times. He was our leader, and we will miss him incredibly. All Kilmacow club activity will be postponed this coming week until further notice while we mourn the loss of Luke. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

The 33-year-old was a gifted sportsman and also played soccer for Ferrybank and Waterford inter-league squads. He worked for Tirlán at their Belview base.

Kilkenny GAA have also posted a lengthy tribute on social media. It read: "Kilkenny GAA is deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Luke Harney, former Kilkenny hurler and proud Kilmacow clubman. Luke was a gifted hurler whose talent and passion shone through from a young age.

"Luke represented both his club and county with distinction, wearing the black and amber jersey with pride.

"Among his many achievements, he won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship with Kilkenny in 2010, went on to represent the county at Under-21 level, and later added an All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling medal in 2016.

"At club level with Kilmacow, Luke was a driving force across the grades, helping secure titles at underage and adult levels. He was known not only for his commitment on the field but also for his dedication to the game and the values of our GAA community.

"His loss will be felt greatly in Kilmacow, across Kilkenny, and among the many friends he made through hurling.

"Kilkenny GAA extends its deepest sympathies to Luke’s fiancée Natasha, his daughters Holly and Sofia, his parents Paul and Jacinta, his brothers Gerry, Shane and Jake, his extended family, his many friends, and his clubmates in Kilmacow. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Thomastown GAA club said: "All of us at Thomastown GAA wish to extend our sincere condolences to Luke’s family, his teammates, friends, and everyone at Kilmacow Hurling and Football Club on this heartbreaking news.

"There are no words to ease such a loss. Our hearts go out to you all at this unimaginably difficult time. May Luke rest in peace."

Graignamanagh GAA Club posted: "Sincere condolences to all of Luke’s family, his teammates & friends & all at Kilmacow Hurling and Football Club on this desperately sad news. There are no words. May Luke rest in peace. Our hearts go out to you all at this unbelievably sad time."

Harney's funeral will take place on Thursday, September 11 at St. Senan’s Church, Kilmacow at 2pm.

His family have asked that any donations are to be made to the Dillion Quirke Foundation.