Kevin ‘Kingsy’ King who tragically passed away suddenly on Thursday night
HEARTBROKEN friends of Kevin King are making the sad journey home for the funeral of Kevin King.
Kevin – affectionately known as ‘Kingsy’ – tragically died on Thursday night.
He was a star forward for St Mary’s GAC, Slaughtmanus as well as Tamnaherin Celtic FC.
Following his sudden death, a group of club members on a GAA trip in China booked flights home for his Requiem Mass and funeral which is expected early next week.
Tamnaherin Celtic FC said Kevin would be “sorely missed”.
In a message on its Facebook page, the club said:
“We would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the King/Proctor family at this tragic time.
“Kevin was a great person on an off the pitch and a goal machine for the tams. A big loss to the community.
“KK will be sorely missed.
“R.I.P Kevin King #foreveryoung
The 22-year-old, from Ervagh Road just Eglinton in Co Derry, took ill will while playing goals during a game of indoor football in Campsie.
He received extensive medical treatment at the scene, but was pronounced dead at Altnagelvin Hospital.
The cause of death has yet to be established.
St Mary’s GAC chairman Eddie Deery described Kevin as a promising footballer with a bright future.
“Kevin was so popular, it is a very tragic event and especially at his age, being a promising footballer,” he said.
“My own two sons were actually playing with Kevin in the indoor game on Thursday night.
“They’re taking it bad,” said Mr Deery.
“We’ve another group out in China taking part in a GAA activity and they have booked flights and are on their way home.
Kevin King who played for Tamnaherin FC
“It’s a tragic loss for Kevin’s parents John and Margaret, his brother Martin and their family and friends – and indeed all the community and everybody from Slaughtmanus football club.
“It’s a big, big loss.”
Eglinton SDLP councillor Jim McKeever spoke of the “shock and disbelief” within the community.
“It’s just a tragedy, there’s not much you can say about it. It’s unbelievable, especially someone at that age just starting their life,” he said.
Many emotional tributes were also paid online, with friends describing the talented footballer as “a legend on and off the pitch”.
One friend wrote: “A great young man!! Prayers & thoughts with his family & friends.’
A further tribute said: “So hard to believe, a great young man.”
Another grief-stricken friend wrote:
“Still in shock, can’t believe what happened, not only has heaven gained an angel but a true gentlemen, always had time for anyone, never miss you on a night out without say hello and havin the craic and he would never have seen you stuck.
“We had some great nights together though and prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace.”
Another post read: “Can’t believe the news , Kevin was up there with the best , a legend on and off the pitch, Kevin you’ll be sorely missed, everyone’s in safe hands now with you watching over us, rest in peace King! Until we meet again.”
In another posting on Mr King’s Facebook page, a friend described him as ‘talented and driven’.
“RIP to a true gent Kevin King. One of the most decent and unassuming but yet talented and driven individuals I’ve had the pleasure to play alongside.
“Thoughts with his family and everyone at Slaughtmanus GAA. Rest easy fella,” he said.
On Friday afternoon, Derry GAA has released a statement following Kevin’s sudden and tragic death.
The County Board said: “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Kevin King (22).
“A talented footballer and a former member of our U21 panel, Kevin’s loss will be keenly felt throughout the local GAA community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin’s family, friends and all at St Mary’s GAA, Slaughtmanus.
“We wish them all strength at this time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”
Kevin is survived by his sorrowing parents John and Margaret, and brother Martin.
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