Club devastated with the death of young football star
By Maurice Garvey
TRIBUTES have poured in from clubs across the country to mourn the tragic loss of talented Cherry Orchard FC footballer Prosper Onakoya.
Prosper (10), from Clifden Road, died suddenly last Sunday – sending shockwaves across the Ballyfermot community.
The De La Salle NS student was suffering with an illness during the last couple of months, and had to stop lining out for the famous cherry and black side before Christmas.
Tributes poured in this week for the popular youngster, who played midfield for the U11 Sunday side and was known as Yaya or The Hulk by teammates.
Don O’Reilly, Propser’s U-11 coach said: “The club is devastated. He was a very good player and showed great potential. He was with the club for several seasons.
“I have been coaching him for the last two seasons, and really got to know him, through training twice a week and playing a match at the weekend. A beautiful child and a real talent.”
He continued: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this tragic time, and of course his manager and team-mates, some of whom were only playing FIFA with him the day before.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to each and every person and club that left heartfelt messages. It really makes you realise that we are all one big football family and everything else goes out the window.”
Messages of support from other clubs around the country have flooded the Cherry Orchard Facebook page – a symbol of the enduring legacy left behind by the young African player.
Lynda Gorman said: “The messages from other clubs have been sad but lovely to read. It’s at a time like this that the true meaning of friendship shows.”
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