"He was a gifted hurler whose talent and passion shone through from a young age" - tributes paid to Luke Harney

Kilkenny GAA has paid tribute to former All-Ireland minor hurling winner, Luke Harney, after the 33-year-old father of two died suddenly after taking ill during training for his club, Kilmacow, on Friday last, before losing his battle with life in the early hours of Monday morning.

As the communities of Kilmacow and Ferrybank continue to try to come to terms with the death of the talented sportsman, he has been described by the county that he lifted All-Ireland gold for in 2010, as a “gifted hurler who represented both club and county with distinction.”

Harney, who wore the number six jersey for Kilkenny in that All-Ireland final victory over Clare at FBD Semple Stadium, went on to play in the Walsh Cup for the senior side and was a member of the Kilkenny panel that lost the 2012 All-Ireland Under 21 hurling final. 

He also won an All-Ireland Intermediate hurling medal in 2016.

Paying tribute to the Kilmacow clubman, Kilkenny GAA said that they were “deeply saddened to learn of Luke’s untimely passing.” 

“Luke was a proud Kilmacow clubman. He was a gifted hurler whose talent and passion shone through from a young age. Luke represented both his club and county with distinction, wearing the black and amber jersey with pride."

They added: “At club level with Kilmacow, Luke was a driving force across the grades, helping secure titles at underage and adult levels. He was known not only for his commitment on the field but also for his dedication to the game and the values of our GAA community.

“His loss will be felt greatly in Kilmacow, across Kilkenny, and among the many friends he made through hurling.” 

Although he resided with his fiancée Natasha and their two young daughters, Holly and Sofia, in Ferrybank, he stayed loyal to his homestead in Kilmacow when it came to GAA and couldn’t be persuaded to line out for Ferrybank at senior level.

He did, however, play for Ferrybank in soccer, where he’ll be fondly remembered as a no-nonsense defender.

He represented Waterford at underage level in soccer, where he played in the Kennedy Cup and won National titles with the county. 

He also played Fitzgibbon hurling with WIT.

A real team player, he has been described by the Kilmacow GAA club as a “leader, beloved teammate, club member, and friend.”

Ferrybank AFC described the central defender as “a warrior on the pitch, Luke was a leader, a captain, and improved everyone around him."

The club added: “Goodbye, our friend, we were all the better for having you as part of our club.” 

He was a valued employee for many years at Tirlan in Belview, where he worked as a maintenance manager, with his work colleagues devastated by the news of his passing. 

Many of Luke’s friends from overseas in Australia and South America are travelling home for his funeral – a clear testament to the esteem in which he was held.

Luke, who was the son of Paul and Jacinta, brother of Gerry, Shane, and Jake, will be laid to rest in his native Kilmacow after his funeral Mass, which will be celebrated at 2 pm on Thursday at St. Senan’s Church, Kilmacow.

May he rest in peace.