The Donegal captain, Michael Murphy, led the tributes to ‘a perfect friend and team-mate’ Pat Shovelin, who died yesterday evening, aged 41.
A native of Ardara, he lost his battle with cholangiocarcinoma, the rare form of cancer he had been fighting since early 2017.
Pat is survived by his wife, Chrissie, and two young boys, Ethan (5) and Tom (16 months).
He was the goalkeeping coach for the Donegal senior football team during Jim McGuinness’s reign as manager.
He was also involved with McGuinness at Under-21 level and this year was the goalkeeping coach for the Donegal Under-21s, who won the Ulster Under-21 title.
The tributes have been pouring in for a man described in a statement by the Donegal County Board as ‘special’ and a ‘genuine soul’.
@patshovelin1 you will be hugely missed. Always loyal and forever positive no matter what the situation. A perfect friend and teammate. RIP pic.twitter.com/s1yOoiIM7b
— Michael Murphy (@murphm95) October 21, 2017
Great words for a great man. Thanks for everything Pat. Great character and great person. RIP Pat. https://t.co/V6GTXuEIu2
— neil gallagher (@neilgerardgalla) October 21, 2017
Horrible news to get of the sad passing of @patshovelin1 one of life's true gentlemen who fought the good fight. Left his mark on the hills.
— Éamonn Ó Dochartaigh (@eamonn_doherty) October 22, 2017
Extremely sad news about @patshovelin1 great person & great friend. He will be hugely missed. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP
— Ryan McHugh (@McHughRyan) October 21, 2017
One of a kind so many memories @patshovelin1 gone but never forgotten…??
— martin mcelhinney (@rooskey14) October 21, 2017
RIP to our good friend Pat Shovlin ,will be sorely missed, was a pleasure to work with ya.
— neil mcgee (@Niallmacaoidh) October 21, 2017
A sad evening. RIP Pat Shovelin… No 1 in the hearts of all at CLG Ard an Ratha and so many others too. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam pic.twitter.com/kOHQSa2GY4
— Ardara GAA (@ArdaraGAA) October 21, 2017
Bad night for Harps but perspective brought by passing of Pat Shovelin. Only met him once but enough to see why he was so admired. RIP.
— Aidan Campbell (@aidocampbell) October 22, 2017
Bad night for Harps but perspective brought by passing of Pat Shovelin. Only met him once but enough to see why he was so admired. RIP.
— Aidan Campbell (@aidocampbell) October 22, 2017
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