Ulster Rugby extends sympathy after death of 'talented GAA and rugby player' Josh Morrow who died in motorbike crash
Ulster Rugby have told of their sadness after the crash death of 16-year-old rugby star Josh Morrow.
The teenager died following a road collision on the R252 at Cloghan in Co Donegal around 4.30pm on Saturday afternoon.
The collision involved a car and a motorcycle which was being driven by Josh. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A post on Ulster Rugby said: ‘Ulster Rugby is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Josh Morrow of Finn Valley RFC.
‘Josh was set to begin the Ulster U17 Clubs Summer Programme in July and had recently represented Ulster Clubs U18s against Munster, a year ahead of his age group.
‘Our thoughts are with Josh’s family, friends and everyone at Finn Valley RFC at this difficult time’.
The 5th year student at Finn Valley College, was a talented GAA and rugby player and was part of the Ulster U-18 rugby squad last year.
The Finn Valley is a region located in Co Donegal, centred around the River Finn through areas like Glenfin, Ballybofey, Stranorlar, and Killygordon.
He is deeply mourned by ‘his heartbroken parents Elma and Jerry, sister Sarah, brothers Matthew, Shane (Michelle), Jason (Shannon), niece Sofia, Granny and Grandad, Dolores and Jim Thompson, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, friends and the wider community’.
On social media Ballynahinch RFC said: ‘Ballynahinch Rugby Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Josh Morrow.
‘Only approx 2 weeks ago Josh was playing against Munster in Limerick along with 3 of our own youth players. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Josh’s family, friends and everyone at Finn Valley RFC at this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with you all’.
A message from Strabane Rugby Club · said: ‘Everyone at Strabane RFC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Josh Morrow.
‘A young man of great promise, Josh will be fondly remembered across the rugby community he was so much a part of.
‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all at Finn Valley Rugby Club at this incredibly difficult time.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with you all’.
Another message from Civil Service (NI) RFC added: ‘Civil Service Rugby Club were devastated to hear the heartbreaking news of the recent passing of Josh Morrow. ‘Josh was a member of the Ulster Clubs U17's squad and was subsequently moved up to the U18's due to his amazing talent. ‘Four members of our own U16 squad had the privilege to train and play along side Josh for the past year in the Ulster Clubs setup. They, along with everyone at Civil Service Rugby Club, are truly saddened by this news. ‘Our heart felt condolences and prayers go out to Josh's family, friends and everyone at Finn Valley Rugby Club’.
And a post from Finn Valley RFC said: ‘Everyone involved in the Finn Valley Rugby Club community are devastated and heartbroken at the tragic loss of Josh Morrow.
‘Josh would have been born around the time of our inception and has been very much a part of the club since he was 3 years old.
‘As a playing member and coming up through our underage Minis teams, he always played with dedication, determination and skill, captaining his U14 and U16 teams with great leadership and respect.
‘It was no surprise that Josh was put forward for selection and accepted onto the Ulster Development Squad and through the hard work, committment and qualities that made him a valued club team player, made us all very proud by being selected and playing for the Ulster U18 team recently in their match against Monaghan.
‘He was recently recognised with the well deserved Finn Valley U16s Player of the Year award at our end of season celebrations and received a IRFU Spirit of Rugby Volunteer award for his time spent supporting the club, helping with activities and training sessions.
‘Josh really was the star of the Finn Valley Rugby Club and a true gentleman dedicated to his beloved sport.
‘Our sincerest sympathy and deepest condolences are with Elma, Gerry, Matthew and Sarah, his family, friends, team mates and all who loved him.
‘God bless, rest peacefully Josh and thank you for your absolute dedication to FVRC over the years.
‘We will miss you beyond measure’.