A Meath GAA team has said they have been left ‘numbed and shocked’ after the death of one of their star players.

Rachel McManus, from Kilbride in Co Meath, played for Kilbride GAA Club and was part of the adult ladies’ panel.

According to RIP.ie, the sportswoman passed away ‘suddenly’ at the Mater Hospital in Dublin.

Rachel will be ‘sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her heartbroken parents, Ronan and Maggie,’ as well as her ‘beloved sister Ruby, her boyfriend Harry, extended family, relatives, neighbours and many friends.’

In a statement on social media, members of Kilbride GFC paid a heartwarming tribute to Rachel, whose sister Ruby also played for the club and were described as ‘inseparable’.

The post read: ‘The members of Kilbride GAA Club were left numbed and shocked at the weekend as news of the passing of Rachel McManus filtered through the parish.

‘Rachel played with the Club for many years and was currently part of the adult ladies’ panel. She was known for her warmth and friendliness and had a word for everyone.

‘Along with sister Ruby, they were simply known as Rachel and Ruby. Only one year separated the sisters and they were inseparable, both involved in different aspects of the Club including Executive and recent fundraising.’

Rachel will be reposing at her home on Friday evening from 4pm to 8pm. Removal on Saturday morning to St. Brigid’s Church, Kilbride, arriving for funeral mass at 11am followed by burial in Kilbride Cemetery.

She was also a member of Dunboyne Athletics Club. They paid their own heartfelt tribute upon hearing the sad news.

They wrote: ‘Dunboyne AC is deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of our club member Rachel McManus.

‘Rachel was part of the Juvenile training group and competed for Dunboyne on multiple occasions, including winning Silver at the 2017 Leinster Cross Country Relays.

‘Rachel is fondly remembered by the club coaches and her fellow athletes, and we send deepest sympathy and condolences to her parents, Ronan and Maggie, sister Ruby and all her family and friends.

‘Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.’