Hurler Cathal Forde, who passed away in training last night

There was more sad news today for a GAA community still reeling from the passing earlier this week of former Kerry great John Egan with the announcement that  28-year-old Galway native Cathal Forde collapsed and died while training with London club Kilburn Gaels in Highgate last night.

The Gort hurler was rushed to hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival.

A statement from Kilburn Gaels earlier paying tribute to the former GMIT student, who had been working as an Engineer in London for three years, said:

“It is with great regret that we announce the untimely passing of Cathal Forde who died last night (April 10th) at the age of 28. Cathal was corner back on the Kilburn Gaels team that won the clubs first county title in 2010 and was very popular and well liked with everyone in the club. Everyone at the club is deeply saddened and shocked by what has happened and our thoughts at this time are with his girlfriend Sheila and the Forde family. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.”

Forde, who played alongside his brother Niall for the club, becomes the fifth GAA player to die in the last twelve months. Ciaran Carr – Dublin, Adrian Harkin – Kilkenny, Jason Morley – Mayo and Michael Costigan – Tipperary, have all passed away.

Meanwhile, the funeral of six-time All Ireland winner Egan (59) took place today. He was laid to rest at St James Cemetery, Chetwynd, Cork.

Former manager Mick O’Dwyer, speaking earlier in the week, said ”There has never, at least in my understanding of Gaelic football, been a better inside forward than John Egan. I can’t say he was the best, but I can say there was no-one better”.

The 5 time All Star was part of the great Kerry side of the 70s and 80s. In tribute to him, here are some of that team’s golden moments:

(credit: athbhriainabu11)