A Co Armagh teenager currently fighting for his life in hospital had only last week received Minor Player of the Year at his local GAA club.
Dylan Vallely was one of three teenage boys injured in a road traffic collision in Camlough on Friday night.
The 16-year-old, from Newtownhamilton, was rushed to hospital where he remains on life support.
Two others (18 and 17), also from the Newtownhamilton area, were also taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
The St Michael’s GAA club, with whom Dylan won his award earlier this month, have asked prayers for prayers for their three boys involved in the single vehicle crash.
“The Holy Rosary will be held again on Sunday at 3pm in St Michael’s Church, Newtownhamilton,” the club said. “Please keep our lads Dylan, Caolan and Tomas and their families in your thoughts and prayers.”
Former Sinn Féin councillor, Barra O’Muiri – who is also a prominent member of the St Michael’s club — urged the community to keep rallying behind Dylan as he continues his fight.
“Please say a prayer, light a candle and offer your intentions for his well-being tonight. Only a week ago he was receiving our award as Minor Player of the Year, and tonight he is fighting for his life.”
St Joseph’s High School in Crossmaglen, where Dylan is a Year 13 pupil, have also asked for the community to keep him in their thoughts and prayers.
The outpouring of support across the wider south Armagh community has been huge since news of terrible accident on the Sturgan Road in Camlough filtered through.
Meanwhile, police are continuing to appeal for information and witnesses to come forward.
Inspector Macdonald said: “Police received a report shortly before 10.20pm on Friday evening, October 27 that a collision had occurred involving a black VW Golf.
“Officers attended the scene along with our colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
“The back-seat passenger of the car, a 16-year-old boy, was transported to hospital for life-threatening injuries. He remains in a critical condition in hospital at this time.
“Meanwhile, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy who were also in the front of the vehicle, were taken to hospital for treatment to non-life-threatening injuries.
“Our investigation is now underway to establish exactly what happened. We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have dash-cam footage to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 2021 27/10/23.”
