Tributes Pour In For Irish GAA Player Who Tragically Passed Away In Florida

Megan Cassidy

Tributes are pouring in for Irish father-of-one, Conal McKee, who tragically passed away in Miami, Florida, over the weekend.

The young dad had been living in the states with his girlfriend Kata and son, Danny.

Conal, a native of Co Down, was placed in a coma in the West Boca Medical Centre on Friday, August 3, and passed away shortly after 6am local time on Saturday, August 11.

Friends of the GAA player had set up a GoFundMe page to cover medical expenses after he fell ill, and this morning updated the page with the message:

‘It’s is with a heavy heart I update this page. Con passed away at 6:10am this morning. I would like to thank everyone that has donated already.

‘We are half way to our goal. So please keep sharing. And keep Con and his family in your prayers.’

Conal had previously played football with Dundrum GAC, who wrote on Facebook:

‘We as a club are devastated.
We send our heartfelt condolences to his family at this most difficult time.
Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him.’

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard also shared his condolences with Conal’s family:

“This is a heartbreaking time for Conal’s family and the Dundrum community.

“Conal was a very likeable and popular young man who represented Dundrum GAC.

“My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone in south Down are with all the family and friends at this tough time.”

Conal’s original fundraising campaign, which has raised $17,617 at the time of writing, read:

‘This is a campaign set up on behalf of Conal McKee’s family for the medical expenses and bills during his stay in Florida. As many of you have already heard Conal is currently in a coma in West Boca Medical Centre in Florida since Friday August 3rd.

‘As you can imagine this completely unexpected situation has involved mounting medial bills and traveling costs from Ireland.

‘Everyone that knows Con knows him to have a smile because every time he met you he was always laughing about something! Never one to have a bad word to say this warmness always drew people to him. Having recently moved down to Florida to set up a life with his son 7 month old son Danny and girlfriend Kata.

‘During this difficult time, we are asking everyone that knew him and loved him to help out with donations to assist in covering growing medical bills and expenses. We are confident that in time and with consistent treatment Conal will return to the same goofy, happy, and hilarious friend we all love.

‘During the next few days we will be announcing a fundraiser but until then please keep Conal in your thoughts and prayers.’