‘Unimaginable heartbreak’: Tributes paid to ‘young warrior’, 8, who died after brave illness battle
Odhrán McGirr, a player with Errigal Ciaran GAA, was diagnosed with an aggressive High Grade Glioblastoma, an extremely difficult tumour to treat
Odhrán McGirr pictured in his Errigal Ciaran kit(Image: Support for Odhrán GoFundMe page)
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for an eight-year-old boy from Co Tyrone who has sadly passed away after battling a rare brain tumour.
Odhrán McGirr, who played for Errigal Ciaran GAA, was diagnosed with an aggressive High Grade Glioblastoma in January 2025. It is an extremely rare and difficult to treat brain tumour.
After his diagnosis, Odhrán underwent chemotherapy and surgery. His local community stood firmly beside him throughout, contributing £136,000 (€156,500) to support his family and relevant charities during the diagnosis.
A passionate GAA player, Odhrán had the privilege of leading out his cherished Tyrone senior team when they faced Offaly in the National Football League in Dungannon last month.
Tyrone GAA honoured the brave young boy who “showed extraordinary courage, strength and positivity beyond his years”, reports Belfast Live.
They stated: “Coiste Chontae Thír Eoghain is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Odhrán McGirr.
Odhrán McGirr had the honour of leading out his beloved Tyrone senior team as they faced Offaly in the National Football League in Dungannon(Image: Tyrone GAA)
“A proud member of Errigal Ciarán, Odhrán had a deep love for sport and embraced life with kindness, energy and joy.
“A caring child and a wonderful big brother to Ruairí and Saoirse, he showed extraordinary courage, strength and positivity beyond his years in the face of an unimaginably difficult illness.
“Only a few weeks ago, he led the Tyrone Senior Footballers onto the field in Dún Geanainn – a moment of immense pride that will live long in the memory of all those in attendance.
“Our heartfelt condolences are with his parents Patrick and Catriona, his brother and sister, and the entire McGirr family, as well as his friends and teammates.”
His GAA club Errigal Ciaran released a statement expressing that his death has brought “unimaginable heartbreak and profound sadness.”
Last weekend, Odhrán had the honour of leading out his beloved Tyrone senior team as they faced Offaly in the National Football League in Dungannon
An emotional tribute stated: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his heartbroken parents Patrick and Catriona, his brother Ruairí, his sister Saoirse, and the entire McGirr and Carmody families at this incredibly difficult time.
“Odhrán was a cherished member of Aireagal Chiaráin GAC – a bright light within our club whose presence brought joy, energy and pride to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“From his earliest days in our colours, he embodied everything that is good about our games – friendship, spirit, resilience and a deep, unwavering love for his club.
“The McGirr name is woven deeply into the fabric of Aireagal Chiaráin. Odhrán’s grandfather Johnny has given over 30 years of dedicated service as a volunteer; his father Patrick a committed youth coach; his uncle Dermot a longstanding youth officer – alongside a wider family who have been true stalwarts of our club.
Odhrán McGirr was diagnosed with an aggressive High Grade Glioblastoma in January 2025
“Odhrán carried that legacy with quiet pride each time he stepped onto the field. He wore the jersey with honour, determination and a smile that will never be forgotten.
“As a club, we are honoured to have shared in memories that will be treasured forever – from Odhrán’s unforgettable day on the hallowed turf of Croke Park to that special Saturday morning in Glencull and Dunmoyle that will live long in all our hearts.
“There are no words that can truly capture the depth of sorrow we feel as a club and community. A life taken far too soon leaves a silence that echoes through our pitches, our dressing rooms and our hearts. In the difficult days, weeks and months ahead we will stand shoulder to shoulder with Patrick, Catriona and the entire family, just as they have always stood with us.
“We will forever remember Odhrán – his laughter, his kindness, his teammates and the pure joy he brought to the game. He was and always will be, one of our own.
“May his noble soul rest in peace. Loved and remembered always, Now playing with the angels. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí ar a anam uasal. Grá agus cuimhne i gcónaí air, Ag imirt leis na haingil anois.”
