Former Davitts footballer dies in Offaly

Michael Commins

A former Davitts footballer died in Offaly at the weekend. Jay Powers (44) from Cullane, Ballindine, took ill and died suddenly in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Jay was brother of newly elected Green Party councillor in Offaly, Pippa Hackett, who is also the Green Party spokesperson on Agriculture and Food, Forestry, Animal Welfare and Heritage. 
The news of the passing of Jay in Geashill, about seven miles from Tullamore, was received with sadness and regret among former team mates and club members at the Davitts GAA Club.
“Jay was a member of the Davitts U-16 county winning team and also featured on the minor team that won county honours. He played several games with the Davitts senior team in both championship and league and was an accomplished wing back.
“When Jay put on the number 5 jersey, he was proud to represent the club and always gave it his best effort. He had resided in Offaly for some years but he was in Croke Park to cheer on Davitts when we played in the All Ireland Intermediate Club Final in 2012.
“All in the club and all in the Ballindine and Irishtown area extend condolences to the Powers family at this sad time for all of them,” says Billy Kearns from the Davitts Club.
Jay will be sadly missed by his parents Lucien and Jeannie, his sister Pippa, girlfriend Annika, and the family circle and friends. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.