The 23-year-old, who had only recently begun working as as a teacher, has been remembered as ‘a kind, respectful and bright young man’ who ‘would go above and beyond for everyone’
08:00, 15 Nov 2025Updated 09:14, 15 Nov 2025
Galway’s goalkeeper Donie Halleran in action during the 2019 All-Ireland Minor Championship Semi-Final in Croke Park(Image: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane)
The Galway GAA community has been plunged into mourning following the devastating death of former underage intercounty star Donie Halleran.
Donie, who was from Tuam, passed away on Wednesday at the age of just 23.
The young man, who had only recently graduated from Mary Immaculate College in Co Limerick, was a gifted gaelic footballer who started in goal for Galway during the 2019 All-Ireland Minor Championship Final.
Donie is also remembered widely for his performances in goal for his local club Cortoon Shamrocks, who have led tributes to the talented sportsman in a heartbreaking message shared on social media.
Donie recently graduated from Limerick’s Mary Immaculate College
“It is with deep shock and sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our player and club member Donie Halleran,” the club said in a statement.
“Donie represented our club with distinction and was goalkeeper on our 2020 Intermediate championship winning team playing alongside his uncle David.
“We were so proud to watch Donie also represent Galway at minor and U20 level. Donie always had a smile on his face and was loved by all who knew him.
“Our hearts go out to Donies family, friends and teammates in this difficult time. We ask everyone to keep one and other in your thoughts and to support each other.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anam, RIP Donie.”
Sinéad Bradbury, lead Performance Nutritionist at Galway GAA, paid tribute to Donie in a message shared online which read: “Sincere condolences to the Halleran Family. I worked with Donie when he played for Galway U20s. He stood out as such a kind, respectful and bright young man. Rest in Peace Donie.”
Donie was a club member of Cortoon Shamrocks GAA, who have paid tribute to the young man(Image: Cortoon Shamrocks GAA / GAA)
A number of Donie’s former teammates also shared their memories of playing alongside hime, with one person writing: “My dearest condolences to the Halleran family on the terrible passing of Donie. A lovely fella who lit up a dressing room with his presence. Gone too soon. Thinking of you all at this time, may he rest peacefully.”
Donie was a past pupil of St. Jarlath’s College in Tuam, who paid tribute to their former student in a message shared on social media.
“It was with profound shock and sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of past pupil Donie Halleran earlier this week,” a spokesperson for the school said.
“We have such fond memories of Donie from his time on the football pitch to his leadership as a monitor and are truly saddened at his untimely loss.
“We were delighted and proud when he went on to follow his dream of becoming a primary school teacher.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his heartbroken mother Evelyn, his sister RoisÃn and brother DaithÃ, his extended family, neighbours and wide circle of friends at this most difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dìlis.
Donie had recently begun working as a teacher at Divine Mercy SNS primary school in Lucan, Co Dublin, where he made a huge impression on his pupils and co-workers.
A number of fellow teachers have paid tribute to the young man, who has been remembered as “a kind, gentle soul and friendly face in school” and “a true gentleman” who “would go above and beyond for everyone.”
Galway’s goalkeeper Donie Halleran during the 2019 All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final,(Image: INPHO/James Crombie)
One person said: “Deepest Sympathy to the Halleran family and friends. I count myself very lucky to have had the pleasure to work alongside Donie since September in room 5. He was an amazing teacher, friend and work colleague. He will be greatly missed by both myself and all the children in his class. Rest in peace Donie.”
Another added: “My heartfelt sympathy to the Halleran family on Donie’s passing. It is with great sadness that I write these words. There simply aren’t enough, to describe how fondly we remember him in our school. Gone from us, far too soon. May Donie rest in heavenly peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dÃlis.”
A third said: “Deepest condolences to Evelyn, RoisÃn, DaithÃ, his grandmother Mary and all the extended Halleran and Warde families. I will never forget the first day I met Donie as his energy was instantly infectious and his charm, charisma and kindness made him loved by all. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to meet Donie and even more honoured to have had the privilege to consider him a friend. Thinking of you all in this challenging time. May he rest in peace.”
While a fourth person added: “Deepest sympathies to Donie’s family at this very sad time. Donie was a fantastic teacher, colleague and friend. We were so lucky to have worked with Donie. He was such a caring, gentle and friendly soul.”
Donie’s funeral mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Assumption at 11.30am on Saturday morning, with burial afterwards in Tuam Cemetery.
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