Tributes have been made as former Offaly hurler Eddie Bevans has passed away aged 41, after a battle with illness.

The father-of-one played minor for his county back in 2002 and 2003 and U21 level from 2004 to 2006, before making his senior debut, again in 2006, against Wexford in the Leinster Championship.

He would go on to play five Senior Championship and five Senior League games for the Faithful County.

Bevans continued to play for his local Shinrone GAA, but back in July last year he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, which he’d ultimately succumbed to.

However, before that, he was able to heroically raise €30,000 for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association as he climbed Croagh Patrick, saying he was ‘blown away’ by the donations people had made for the cause.

‘It is with deep sadness that everyone in Shinrone GAA learned of the passing of our dear clubman, Eddie Bevans,’ his club, Shinrone, said in a post on Facebook.

‘We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Eddie’s family, friends and teammates at this difficult time. May his gentle soul rest in peace.’

Offaly GAA would add a statement of their own, saying it ‘was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Eddie Bevans from Shinrone, at the age of 41, following a brave battle with illness.

‘He was a stylish forward who represented his club Shinrone with distinction and pride. We extended our deepest sympathy to his wife Sinead, son Cian, parents, brother and sisters and extended family.’

Tributes were made to the former Offaly hurler, with one posting: ‘My sincere condolences to Eddie’s family. I spent four years on the same course as Eddie in college in Waterford and we also played hurling together. An exceptional hurler, a true gentleman, and a man of great character. He will be deeply missed.’

He will repose in his home from 4pm to 8pm on Tuesday June 30, before the removal to St Mary’s Church, Shinrone for Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 12pm followed by burial afterwards in the New Cemetery, Shinrone.

Eddie’s family have asked for family flowers only and donations, if desired, can be made in lieu of flowers to Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).