“Avu had an infectious smile for all”
The Villa team celebrating winning the Waterford Junior League Under 17A Cup final with Abu Idris pictured second from right in the front row. Pic: Noel Browne
When Avu Idris left Ozier Park on May 8 last with a gold medal in his hand, little did his club Villa know that it would be the last time that he would play for the club, as the youngster died along with his friend Gilbert Collins, in an accident that has shocked the county on Thursday morning.
The 17-year-old was pictured by photographer Noel Browne (see below) with that “infectious smile” as he waited for the final-whistle to be blown at the end of the recent Under 17A cup final triumph for his club over Piltown.
Avu, who lived with his parents at Crystal Mews, was a talented young midfield player who gave his all for his club jersey, but he also represented the Waterford Schoolboy League at Under 16 Development level. The Mayor of Waterford Cllr. Jason Murphy has opened a Book of Condolence for both boys.
Speaking to the Waterford News & Star, Villa FC Director of Football Conor Coad said that there was a cloud of “shock and sadness” lingering over the workLAB Connors Park club.
“We are shocked as a club,” said Coad.
“There is this terrible feeling of great sadness since we received the news of Avu’s tragic passing on Thursday morning following the tragic road accident, and as a club, we will do we can to help his teammates as they suffer this loss.
“He played for us for the last number of years and was always a pleasure for his coaches to work with, consistently showing a desire to work hard and try to get the best out of himself as a player. I think that he always wanted to leave the best impression of himself on the field.
“Along with this, Avu was also a tremendous teammate and friend with an infectious smile and highly enthusiastic personality which made him a fantastic addition to all of the teams he played with over his time with Villa FC. He loved his hair as well and was a perfect match for our club.
“He will be sorely missed by all at Villa FC and we would like to express our condolences as a club to Avu’s family and friends at this time. Our thoughts are also with all coaches and teammates who were a part of Avu’s time playing with Villa FC.
“Whilst remembering Avu, we as club would also like to pass on our condolences to the family of Gilbert Collins who also lost his life in this tragic accident.”
Tosh Cleary, who was the manager of the Waterford Schoolboy Under 16 Development squad team, added that Avu was “an absolute gem”.
“I was fortunate enough to work with Avu over the last three years in Villa and Waterford Development Squad. He was an absolute gem to work with always smiling and up for the craic.
“I'm going to miss that smile and banter. He will be forever in our thoughts. My sincerest sympathies to both Avu and his friend, Gilbert Collins family.”
Meanwhile the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy has opened a Book of Condolence for the Waterford community to express their sympathies and support to the grieving families.
Mayor Murphy said: "Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this devastating loss. We can only imagine what both families are going through - for two young boys to die at such a young age."
Members of the public may sign the Book of Condolence at City Hall, The Mall, and the Civic Offices, Dungarvan during the hours of 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, or sign the book online.
