Club pays heartbreaking tribute following the sudden death of talented footballer

The Derry GAA world is in shock following the sudden death of Kevin King.

Just 22-years-old, the St Mary's GAC Slaughtmanus player died on Thursday night, reportedly while playing indoor soccer with his mates. Described locally as a fast and direct centre-forward, King starred for his club at all ages and was building quite a reputation in Derry football circles. On Friday night his club posted a beautiful tribute to a young man who provided so many with "sheer delight" by the manner with which he played the game.

"With sincere heartfelt sadness shock and devastation, the club announce the sudden death of one of our own, senior player Kevin King aged 22. "On behalf of everyone at St Mary’s GAC Slaughtmanus we express our deepest sympathy to Kevin’s family, his father John, mother Margaret and brother Martin, to the Proctor and King family circle and to all his friends. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you prepare to come to terms with the heartbreaking realisation of Kevin’s sudden death. We are all sharing in your grief. "How does one pay tribute to Kevin a young talented footballer whose journey in life was just beginning. "Kevin was an excellent footballer and a valued member of our club throughout his life, he started playing football at the age of 5 and came through the underage structure showing natural ability as he easily perfected the necessary skills required. "Kevin stood out at every underage level as a Player. His talent on the field was noted on numerous occasions having won 'Player of the year' at most underage levels. "When Kevin was on his game it was sheer delight to watch his talent at scoring points from all angles and distances, his foot flick of the ball into his hands at lightening pace gave his opponents many a challenge as they attempted to curb his ability and drive. Kevin’s talented actions on the pitch gave club supporters many a memorable day, as the usual post-match analysis took place. I think it’s fair to say that Kevin at 22 hadn’t reached his peak – the best was yet to come. "Managers who worked with Kevin in the past would use the words talented, modest, athletic, handsome, reserved, dedicated, kind and passionate about his football. "Kevin’s father John played football with the club and for many years helped to manage underage teams at various levels. "Away from the football field Kevin was courteous and kind and had time for everybody he met. "Kevin was a son, brother, cousin and friend and he was a Slaughtmanus man. Kevin you are a credit to our club and to your parents John and Margaret and brother Martin. Thank you for giving us beautiful football memories. Rest in peace.

Rival clubs also paid tribute to King, with Faughvale GAC describing him as a talent that warranted special attention.

"Faughanvale GAC is shocked at the unbelievable news last night to learn of the sudden death of Slaughtmanus GAC player Kevin King. "An unbelievably talented player who, when we played against, always came in for special attention as you knew how good a player he was. Kevin's loss will be keenly felt throughout the Slaughtmanus community and also at the other end of the parish in Faughanvale were he had many friends and was a well respected footballer. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin's mother Margaret, father John, brother Martin and all the King/Proctor family, as well as his friends and all at St Mary's GAA, Slaughtmanus. We wish them all strength at this time.