Former Fermanagh footballer Shane O'Brien has died following a road accident in Pretoria, South Africa, where he lived and worked with the United Nations Refugee Agency.
The Erne Gaels club man was part of the Fermanagh minor team that reached an Ulster final in 2003 and was part of the senior set-up in 2009 before he travelled abroad to work with the United Nations.
"It is with a deep sense of shock and sadness that we learned of the tragic death of Shane O’Brien from the Erne Gaels club," A Fermanagh statement read.
"Shane was a member of the Fermanagh minor team that reached the Ulster Final in 2003 and a member of the Fermanagh senior football team in 2009.
"Shane also won a Corn na nÓg title in 1999 with St Michael's College, Enniskillen and a MacRory Cup in 2002. Our deepest sympathies go to the O’Brien family at this time.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Former team-mate Ryan McCluskey was among those to offer his condolences on Twitter.
"Another life taken too soon. Had the pleasure of playing alongside this young man. A gentleman and brilliant man. Condolences to Shane’s family and @ErneGaelsGAC club mates. @FermanaghGAA #Rip #perspective."
Awfully sad news about the passing of Shane O'Brien. Won a MacRory Cup for St Michaels, played for Fermanagh then went off to work for the UN making a real difference in the world. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam, Rest In Peace Shane.
— Tomás Corrigan (@tcorrigan714) December 9, 2020
