Derry inter-county footballer Aaron Devlin has died in hospital after contracting an aggressive strain of meningitis last week.

The 23 year-old Ballinderry player took ill following a recent challenge game with his club and was subsequently rushed to Antrim Area Hospital.

A Derry GAA spokesperson said: “It is difficult to comprehend the devastation that the Devlin family and the wider community of Ballinderry must be feeling at this time.

"This tragedy will be sorely felt throughout the Derry GAA family, and on behalf of all our players, officials and members, at home and abroad, we wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Aaron’s mother Carmel, father Eugene, sister Anna, and brothers Ronan and Coilin.

“We also offer all our condolences to the members of Aaron’s club, Ballinderry Shamrocks, his local community, his team-mates, and his many friends and colleagues.   

GAA president Aogán Ó Fearghail expressed his condolences on behalf of the Association. 

He said: "The tragic news of Aaron’s passing has shocked people right across the wider GAA family. He carried himself with distinction both on and off the field and the messages of support since he fell ill were indicative of the upstanding character that he was.

"A highly respected player, he was fit and in the prime of his life and so the loss is even more acute. On behalf of the Association as a whole, I would like to express my sympathies to the Devlin family and Aaron’s wide circle of friends and admirers."