The 29-year-old athlete dies in a swimming pool accident while attending a wedding abroad

Damien Casey, 29, was playing for the Eoghan Ruadh GAA Hurling Club and at the inter-county level for the Tyrone Senior Hurling Team before the tragedy

An athlete has died in a swimming pool accident during a wedding in Spain.

Damian Casey was one of the best slingshots in the country and now many have taken it upon themselves to pay touching homage to him after his tragic death.

The 29-year-old died by a pool while attending a friend’s wedding.

Mr Casey, from Dungannon, County Tyrone, has been hailed as a talented figure in popular Irish sport.

The 29-year-old played for the Eoghan Ruadh GAA Hurling Club and at the district level for the Tyrone Senior Hurling Team.

Manchester evening news reports the tragic news where Ulster University Gaelic Academy paid tribute to his skills,

UUGA tweeted: “Our deepest sympathy goes out to them and we must focus now on providing the support and comfort that is so much needed.

“Damian Casey was a special gift to Tyrone and to Hurling. We were richer for his presence and poorer for his death.”

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Damian, esteemed alumnus of UU and Fitzgibbon Hurler.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family circle and offer our sincere condolences at this very sad time.”

The Gaelic Players Association tweeted: “Players across Ireland are devastated for the family and friends of Damian Casey and for everyone at Dungannon Hurling Club and Tyrone GAA.

“Damian stood out as a person and as a leader. On the pitch, he was a magician with rare skills. He was one of us. He was one of the best of us.”

Irish political figures expressed their condolences at the tragedy.

Michelle O’Neill, Head of Sinn Féin, tweeted: “The Dungannon community is heartbroken at the news of the tragic death of Damian Casey, a fantastic slinger.

“Thinking of his devastated parents and sisters, his family and friends, his teammates and everyone who loved him.”

The player’s death comes just weeks after he played for the county at the Nickey Rackard Cup at Croke Park.

BelfastLive reports the Tyrone County Board, paid tribute to the respected slinger.

“Heartbreak and grief can come in many forms but is particularly cruel when it is caused by the sudden death of a young, talented, outgoing individual in the prime of life,” read a statement on their Facebook page.

The statement described how Gaelic Tyrone is “completely devastated by the news of the tragic death of Damian Casey, a supreme slinger who is at the peak of his powers.”

Tyrone County Chairman Michael Kerr added: “This breaking news is incredible.

“Someone who brought honor, joy and simple, uncomplicated joy to our whole county and far beyond has gone, and it’s so hard to stomach.

“There are very difficult days ahead for Sean, Susan, Louise and Catherine, Damian’s extended family and many friends and associates, his teammates and the Gaels of Dungannon and Tyrone.

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to them and we must focus now on providing the support and comfort that is so much needed.”

The board said Damian Casey was “a special gift to Tyrone and to hurling”.