Offaly U21 hurling manager Dermot Hogan dies in tragic accident

Offaly's U21 hurling manager Dermot Hogan has died.

It's understood the 45-year-old passed away yesterday evening (Thursday) following an accident while working at his home in Coolderry.

He leaves behind his wife Marie, daughters Lisa, Rachel and Ciara, parents Kieran and Margaret, brothers Kevin and Eugene and a large circle of relatives and friends.

Mr Hogan was appointed Offaly U21 hurling manager earlier this year, following an impressive record with his own club in Coolderry. He managed that team to minor success in 2008, and to the Offaly U21 title in 2010. He was a selector with the Offaly minor hurling team last year.

Speaking this morning Offaly county chairperson Padraig Boland offered his heartfelt sympathy to Dermot's wife and family.

'Dermot's positivity towards Offaly hurling was infectious,' he said, adding that he had learned a lot in 2014 and was looking forward to the challenge ahead in 2015.

'While Dermot's loss to Coolderry and Offaly hurling will be huge, it pales into insignificance when compared to the loss that will be felt by his wife Marie and family and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this extremely sad time,' he added.