Heartbroken GAA club pay tribute as player (16) dies three weeks after tragic crash

A GAA club has issued a heartbreaking tribute to a young player who has died following a tragic collision. 

Sixteen year old Dylan Vallely was in critical condition in hospital following a crash in Camlough, Co Armach involving two other teenage boys at the end of October. 

He has now tragically died at Royal Victoria Hospital three weeks after the incident.  

Dylan was a beloved member of St Michael’s GFC Newtownhamilton, where he was reportedly awarded Minor Player of the Year just days before the collision. 

St Michaels GFC's Cathaoirleach, Liam Carragher, paid tribute to the talented teenager on behalf of the club. 

He stated "Our club is heartbroken on the passing of Dylan Vallely, our 2023 minor player of the year, our team mate and our friend. 

"Dylan was a great lad on and off the pitch, hardworking, talented, and with great manners. He was well known and loved within not just our club but the whole GAA community in South Armagh and further afield." 

He continued: "At this tough time, foremost in our thoughts are Dylan's family. We offer our prayers and supports for parents Shane and Catherine, sisters Sophia and Amelia, and the wider Vallely and Toner family circle. 

"Our thoughts are also with other club members affected by this tragedy including Dylan's team mates and circle of friends. 

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h'anam dilis." 

Dylan's school, St Joseph's in Crossmaglen, also commented on his passing, calling him "a shining light in the classroom, in the playground, on the football field" and "a valued beloved member of our school community." 

In a post on social media platform X, a spokesperson for the school stated: "The governors, staff and pupils of St Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen are heartbroken at the tragic loss of our Year 13 pupil Dylan, brother of our year 10 pupil Sophia. Dylan touched our lives in so many ways during his time with us.

"He was not just a student, he was a shining light in the classroom, in the playground, on the football field and was a valued, beloved member of our school community. His infectious smile, wonderful sense of humour and mischievous glint in his eye never failed to entertain his friends and teachers alike.

"Dylan also had a serious side where, as a Senior Prefect, he was the perfect role model with his mature and courteous manner that leaves an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

"Dylan lived out the core values of St Joseph’s in that he had a rare gift for making everyone feel valued and included, and he never hesitated to offer a helping hand to those in need.

"While we grieve as a school community, let us also remember the joy, love, friendship and inspiration he brought into our lives.
His kindness and personality meant that he was loved and respected by both his teachers and peers; his death leaves a void in our school community." 

The post continued: "We should honour Dylan’s memory by living our lives with the same kindness, compassion, determined attitude and ardent desire to strive for improvement just as he did. 

"Dylan was someone you felt proud to be associated with. He was a boy steeped in moral value, instinctively knowing the difference between right and wrong. 

"Dylan was not just a leader he was the leader. He captained every school team he played for, and his friends and teammates knew exactly who to follow on and off the field. As a footballer he lit up ‘many a pitch’ in Armagh and leaves a glowing light in the life of everyone he met. 

"Dylan embodied everything that is positive about the young people of South Armagh. His impact on the life of St Joseph’s High School is impossible to quantify, but his innate goodness will always be the standard by which all of us are measured, and that is a truly remarkable legacy to leave. If there is such a thing as the perfect pupil, then Dylan belonged to this special group. 

"Although we are heartbroken, we feel very fortunate to be able to count Dylan as a member of the St Joseph’s family, and one we will never forget. 

"It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest sympathy to his mother Catherine, his father Shane, his sisters Sophia and Amelia and extended Vallely and Toner families and friends as they come to terms with the loss of their dearest Dylan." 

Dylan will be laid to rest this weekend.