Friends of Damian Casey hold small service in his memory in Spain

Friends of Damian Casey have held a service in his memory in Spain.

The 29-year-old Co Tyrone GAA player's passing has broken the hearts of people across Northern Ireland and came just weeks after he starred for his county at the Nickey Rackard Cup in Croke Park.

His friends have said they are devastated at his loss and that they did all they could to save him following an incident at a swimming pool in Spain.

Read more: Damian Casey: Tributes pour in for Tyrone GAA star after tragic accident

At an emotional service, shared on Facebook, friends paid tribute to a "kind and wonderful brother, son and friend". Damian had been in Spain to attend a wedding when the tragedy occurred.

Leading the service, his friend Karl McQuaid said: "It is important that we gather here today to try and process what has happened.

"For those of you who didn't know Damian, he was a fantastic wonderful man, a kind hearted gentleman. A wonderful son, friend, employee and we all think the world of him and will look after him until we can get him home. We are going to do that as soon as we possibly can.

"Can I just say a special word of thanks to Katie, Jody and Caitriona, who were with us on the scene at the time and did their very best to get him right again but unfortunately we got him too late.

"Damian was a prolific hurler, very successful and he represented Tyrone and he represented our town and was very very passionate into hurling. His scoring record has never been seen before and you have never encountered such a prolific player before.

"It was only a couple of weeks ago that he was all over the media for his prolific scoring and he won the Nickey Rackard cup a couple of weeks ago playing in Croke Park and he was just in the prime of his life.

"We are all so very proud to have had a friend like Damian and we are going to do our very best to get him home as soon as we possibly can."

Karl then read the Hurlers prayer in memory of Damian followed by a minute's silence for those in attendance to think of him and his family.

The service finished with a reading of the Lord's Prayer.

There has been an outpouring of grief following Damian's passing with GAA clubs, politicians and representatives from across Ireland paying tribute to the talented athlete.

Read more: Tyrone GAA star Damian Casey killed in tragic accident in Spain

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