Published: Wednesday, 14th October, 2009 5:01pm

Traffic accident claims talented footballer

A TALENTED teenage footballer died following a single vehicle accident on the main Cavan to Dublin Road during the early hours of Saturday morning. Christopher Sheils of Cornaslieve, Virginia, was travelling from Cavan towards Dublin when his Peugeot 306 van left the road at Lavey, Stradone, collided with a light pole and ended up in a field.

The accident was discovered by a passing milkman, who raised the alarm. The N3 was sealed off for a number of hours and diversions were in place as gardaí carried out a technical examination.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have seen the red van to call the m in Cavan on 049-4368800 or the Garda confidential line at 1800-666111.

It is understood that Christopher was still alive when he was discovered but was later pronounced dead at Cavan General Hospital at 8.20am.

The 18-year-old played minor football for Cavan last year and was a member of the Ramor United club.

His death sent shockwaves around the close-knit community and people are still coming to terms with it. Members of Ramor United, Lurgan Ladies GFC and Virginia College formed a guard of honour at his funeral.

Christopher was studying Sports and Leisure at Cavan Institute and had a bright future. He is survived by his parents Tony and Philomena and his sister Amanda. Ramor United PRO Mary Brady said: "Everyone is devastated, he was a bright young star, a true gentleman and friend.

"Chrissy, as everyone called him, epitomised the future and hopes of the club. He was everything any young fella would aspire to be, a county minor footballer who wore the jersey with pride. The entire community is devastated, not just the club but we will recover and bounce back," she said.