Ballinderry star Aaron Devlin loses battle with Meningitis

The 23-year-old physiotherapist was admitted to hospital last Friday with the brain virus Meningitis.

It has been confirmed by his club Ballinderry Shamrocks that he died this evening.

He was due to have a brain scan today.

“It is with very deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Aaron Devlin this evening,” they said in an online statement.

“Our deepest sympathy to Carmel, Eugene, Ronan, Colin and Anna.

“From the first time you pulled the blue and white jersey over your shoulders Aaron you were one of us, you will always be one of us.

“I’m sure your passing into heaven this evening was no ordinary entrance, it would have been done ‪#‎dookiestyle‬

“REST IN PEACE AARON.”

The former St Mary’s Grammar pupil came off 40 minutes into a friendly for Ballinderry Shamrocks against Dromore, citing tiredness, last Tuesday.

Since he fell ill hundreds of messages of support have flooded in for the 22-year-old Mid Ulster Hospital worker.

Clubs across Ireland took to social media to share thoughts for their fellow Gael using the hashtag #GAA Family, while local football clubs Coagh United and Cookstown Youth have also expressed their well-wishes.

Huge numbers of parishioners also attended Rosaries throughout the last week to pray for the University of Ulster graduate and his family.