Heartbreaking tributes for ‘incredible’ teenager who died minutes before 16th birthday as club remembers ‘team player’

HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for an “incredible” teenage boy who sadly passed away just minutes before his 16th birthday.

Fionn Dooley, from Rathfarnham in Co Dublin, sadly passed away “peacefully” at home on Friday following a battle with cancer.

A death notice online said: “Fionn was a fighter and fought his battle with great courage and dignity.

“He will be deeply missed and remembered forever by his heartbroken mam Linda, dad Chris, brothers Oisín and Callum, sister Leah, grandparents Seán, Sheila, Marie and Dermot, aunts, uncles and cousins.

“Fionn brought so much fun and laughter to his friends lives and his cherished memories will remain in our hearts forever.”

The 15-year-old was a member of Oscar’s Kids, an international childhood cancer charity.

In a tragic tribute to Fionn, the charity said: “We’re so saddened to share that our member Fionn has died, just minutes from turning 16, safe at home in the warmth and love of his family.

“This incredible teenager faced cancer with such courage.

“We originally had Lapland booked for Fionn but when the time came, it didn’t work out and we vowed to do something else fun when the time was right for him.”

Fionn loved football, and Oscar’s Kids told how it “finally got to treat him” and sent him to see Real Madrid play on their home turf just a few weeks ago.

The charity added: “We send our deepest sympathies and love to his adoring parents Linda and Christopher, and his wonderful brothers Oisin and Calum and his sister Leah.”

Knocklyon United FC confirmed a minute’s silence was held at all its matches over the weekend in memory of the Under 16 player.

The Dublin football club said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts, that our club is sharing the news that Fionn Dooley one of our own, passed away on Friday night.

“Fionn was a fighter and fought his battle with great courage and dignity.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, Linda, Chris, Oisín, Callum and Leah.”

Fionn’s manager at the club, Kenny Soper, described the young man as a “real team player”.

He said: “Fionn was an outstanding center back, a real team player, and stood up for everyone on our team, he was passionate about football.

“Fionn will be deeply missed by all of his friends and teammates.”

TEACHERS’ TRIBUTES

Teachers from Fionn’s school were among the dozens who paid tribute to the young man.

One said: “Fionn brightened up many Spanish classes with his smiles and jokes. We will always remember him.”

Another added: “I am devastated to learn of the death of Fionn whom I had the pleasure to teach both in junior cycle and again this year in TY.

“Behind his lovely smile and sense of fun was a warrior’s courage that we so much respected and admired. Fionn will never be forgotten and his friends will be long inspired by the bravery he showed.”

A third wrote: “I am truly sorry to you all for your loss. I will miss Fionn popping into my office with the lads or the quiet head nods as we pass on the corridor. 

“Fionn’s bravery and resilience throughout his illness will be remembered and respected by all who knew him leaving a lasting mark on us all.”

Fionn’s funeral mass took place in the Church of the Holy Spirit in Ballyroan today.