Tributes paid in Clare as man who died in house fire named locally - 'He will never ever be forgotten'

"It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our friend and Moy GAA Honorary Life President, Joe Vaughan. Joe was a lifelong Moy GAA stalwart. He proudly won a Junior Championship with the club in 1986, a title that would be Moy's last until the Division 7 League win in 2012. He was a familiar face at every game and many training sessions, living and breathing Moy GAA every day."

"Ahead of our recent league final victory, Joe rallied the players and management at the final training session, reminding everyone of the immense privilege it is to represent Moy. His passion, wisdom, and unwavering support inspired all who knew him. Joe will be deeply missed by his family, especially his brother Michael, his two sisters Mary Browne and Anne Roche, and his nephew Alan, our club chairman, as well as by the entire Moy GAA community."

Joe Vaughan of Moy in North Clare died overnight following a house fire at his family home; the alarm was raised around 3:30am. Clare County Fire and Rescue, National Ambulance Service paramedics, and gardaí attended and Mr Vaughan was pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and the scene is preserved pending a technical examination; the local coroner has been notified and a post-mortem will be arranged. Local tributes described him as a lifelong Moy GAA stalwart and Honorary Life President; he also taught at Coláiste Dhúlaigh and coached at Finglas Boxing Club. Clare County Councillor Bill Slattery described the death as "a big loss."

Read at Irish Independent