Gary Price who has died tragically in LaosA LEADING Mayo soccer star has died tragically while holidaying in an idyllic report in Laos, Asia.

Twenty-four-years-old Gary Price, Cullane, Swinford, lost his life in a drowning accident on Saturday evening.

A 20-hour search of a river was undertaken before his body his recovered and transferred to a hospital in the area.

A son of Gerry and Margaret Price, he had been working in Melbourne, Australia, for the past year.

Price was accompanied in Laos by Shane Hynes, Castlebar, and Kieran Lynskey, Swinford, both of whom were involved in courageous rescue efforts to save their close friend.

 

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been in contact with the Irish Embassy in Hanoi to help make arrangement for the swift return home of the body of the deceased.

Gary’s brother, Kevin, and Castlebar businessman Colm Hynes, father of Shane, have jetted out to Laos in order to accompany the remains back to Ireland.

The tragedy has hit the sporting world hard in Mayo, particularly those closely associated with Castlebar Celtic and Swinford FC.

Gary started his career with Swinford before moving to Celtic Park where he won an FAI Youths (Under 18) Cup medal in 2007 and achieved the distinction of scoring in every round of the prestigious competition.

He also won Connaught Youth Cup medals with the club in 2006 and 2007.

Celtic manager Declan Kilkelly described Gary as ‘a complete gentleman on an off the fields of play’.

He stated: “He was a joy to work with as a coach. I don’t think we would have won the FAI Youths Cup without his skill and goalscoring ability. Other players looked up to him and he was a great example to them. He was extremely popular within the club

“My heart goes out to his parents and members of his family. We are all feeling the pain and our prayers are with them at this difficult time.”

Gary Price also represented the Mayo League in the FAI Under 19 League for two seasons and played with Swinford in the Mayo Super League last season before departing for Australia.

The chairman of Swinford FC, Donal Benson, said Gary was one of the finest players ever to don the blue jersey of the club.

“He was held in the highest regard within the club and we join in extending heartfelt sympathy to his parents and family. We are still trying to come to terms with the terrible news,” he added.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced over the coming days.