The late Gary PriceTHE Mayo sporting world has been paying tribute to one of the county’s leading stars, Gary Price, who lost his life in a drowning tragedy in Laos, Asia, on May 19 last.

The accident occurred during a crossing of the Nam Song River near the town of Vang Vieng.

He had been coming to the end of a two-week holiday and was due to return to Australia where he was working for the past year.

His remains arrived home to his native Cullane, Swinford, last weekend as thousands of mourners descended on the family residence to offer their support to the Price family and pay their respects to the deceased.

Gary is survived by his parents Gerry and Margaret, brother Kevin and sisters Deirdre and Aisling. Poignantly, his 24th birthday would have taken place today (Tuesday) May 29.

A huge outpouring of sadness marked the removal of the remains on Monday morning to Church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Swinford, where they were received by Fr. Dermot Meehan, P.P., Swinford.

In the biggest funeral witnessed in the east Mayo town for many years, a guard of honour was provided by members of Castlebar Celtic FC, Swinford GAA Club and Swinford Soccer Club, the three sporting organisations closest to his heart.

All matches involving the senior teams of the three clubs in question were postponed last weekend as a mark of respect, A minute’s silence was observed at all Mayo League games as well as the Connaught Under 16 Cup final between Castlebar Celtic and Willow Park, Athlone, at Tuam on Saturday.

Mayo senior footballer Aiden Campbell was among those who paid tribute to Gary during Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul.

The chairman of Swinford GAA Club, Michael Murtagh, said the club offered it deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gary Price.

In a tribute posted on his club’s website, Mr. Murtagh stated: “Later this summer, he was to travel to America to play football for the Boston Mayo club with a number of his Swinford club mates.

“Gary won every honor Irish youths soccer had to offer. We in the GAA club are honored to have been a part of his glittering underage Gaelic career.

“He was a natural talent, a born leader and a great friend. He was a pleasure to deal with on every level. Everyone in the club and town are in shock at the untimely death of Gary.

“Our thoughts are with his family and his many friends at this terrible time. He will be sadly missed, but not forgotten.”

James Murray, the chairman of Castlebar Celtic FC, with whom Gary won an FAI Youths (Under 18) Cup medal in 2007, stated everyone at the club was in shock with the untimely death of Gary and his thoughts were will his family and friends.

He described Gary as a great player and wonderful ambassador of the club.

Ironically one of Gary’s last games in Mayo was when he lined out for Swinford against Castlebar Celtic in the Super League in April 2011 and scored a goal in the 1-1 draw. He departed for Australia shortly of the fixture.

Swinford Councillor Joe Mellett and three of Gary’s friends have set up a fund to support the Price’s family with the costs involved with the repatriation of Gary’s to Ireland