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24th February 2025
02:33pm GMT
Tributes have been paid to Wicklow under-20s footballer Brendan Stone, 19, who passed away on Friday, February 21.
His brother Malachy plays for the senior team and Sunday's Division Four game against Wexford was postponed as a mark of respect.
His tribute on RIP.ie reads: "It is with broken hearts the Stone family announce the tragic passing of their beautiful son and brother, Brendan, in his 19th year, on Friday 21st February 2025.
"Brendan, adored son of Peter and Patsy, loving brother to Aoibhín, Malachy, Róisín, Moira, Fainche and Diarmuid."
Mr Stone's club Barndarrig paid tribute on Facebook: “Brendan was a cherished member of our club, a dedicated athlete, and an integral part of our community. His talent, spirit, and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.
“Brendan had an infectious passion for the sport and was known for his bravery, physicality and determination. Whether on or off the field, Brendan brought joy, laughter, and inspiration to us all.
“Brendan was part of the latest generation of the Stone family donning the blue and white of Barndarrig, and still proudly displayed by his brothers and sisters who are the cornerstone of teams they feature on.
“He will have been proud to have featured on the first ever Senior football championship side alongside his brother Malachy, bringing a level of physicality and bravery synonymous with the Stone name.”
Fellow Wicklow club, Carnew Emmets, also offered their sympathies: "All within Carnew Emmets wishes to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Brendan. As well as to all at Barndarrig GAA. Ar dheis De go raibh a ainm."
The Stone family are also heavily involved with Wicklow RFC, with Brendan named as the under-18s players' player of the year in 2024, while all his siblings have togged out for the club.
They wrote on Facebook: “Brendan was a brilliant young rugby player and a fearless competitor,” said the club. “He played the game of rugby with skill, balance, speed and ferocity but always with a smile on his face. He was a lovely, kind and friendly young man with a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious smile.
“Last season, Brendan played a leading role in the Wicklow RFC under-18 squad that won a remarkable Leinster treble. He won the 2024 players’ player of the year award, an indication of his popularity in the squad.
“Separately, Brendan inspired a Coláiste Chill Mhantain schools’ team to a historic victory in the McMullen Cup final in Energia Park in Donnybrook. Brendan’s loss will be deeply felt by his teammates and everyone at Wicklow RFC.
“The Stone family are ingrained in Wicklow Rugby club. Brendan’s grandfather Malachy played for Wicklow RFC in its formative years in the early 1960s. His dad Peter wore the jersey as did his older brother Malachy.
“His younger brother Diarmuid is on our under-13s and his sisters Aoibhinn, Roisin, Moira and Fainche have always been at the heart of our women’s and girls teams.
“To Brendan’s heartbroken parents, Peter and Patsy, his brothers Malachy and Diarmuid, sisters Aoibhinn, Roisin, Moira and Fainche and extended family and friends, we offer our sincere sympathies on your great loss.
“In this time of unimaginable grief, we will stand together as a club and as a community, offering whatever support we can to Brendan’s family, teammates, and friends.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
