Shock over death of hurling star Adrian Freeman

Shock over death of hurling star Adrian Freeman


Edwin McGreal

There was widespread shock in Mayo over the weekend when news filtered though of the death of Mayo hurling star Adrian Freeman, who was killed in a car crash in Australia on Saturday afternoon.
He and his friend, Robbie Twomey from Kerry, were killed after the Toyota Camry car in which they were travelling collided with a Volvo estate, which is believed to have crossed over to the wrong side of the road. The accident took place near the town of Geelong, located close to the city of Melbourne.
The 24-year old Tooreen native was on a working holiday in Australia and was due home next August, having left home last October. He was one of the stars of Mayo hurling, having represented the Connacht Senior hurlers in the 2009 Interprovincials. He was also an accomplished footballer with Aghamore, scoring a crucial goal in their 2008 Mayo Intermediate final success.
There was shock and dismay in the Tooreen area when news came through on Saturday morning (local time) of the tragedy.
Adrian’s clubmate and friend Adrian Hession, Mayo Hurling Development Officer, paid a moving tribute to the man they called ‘Twink’.
“The tragic news of Adrian’s passing reached Mayo and Tooreen - a community and county now in shock. Sense can't be put on Adrian’s passing. My only conclusion is that the man above was picking his championship team - and he had the number fifteen jersey in his hand looking for his best option.”
Mayo Gaelic football manager John O’Mahony expressed the sadness felt by the wider GAA community.
“When I heard the news early on Saturday morning, it really puts things into perspective. There’s a huge bond of friendship there between all the GAA family and to see a young man like Adrian cut down in the prime of his life is so sad. I’d like to extend my sympathy to his father Seamus, mother Ita, sister Louise and brother Cathal at this very difficult time. I can only imagine what they must be going through.”
The Freeman family are due to fly out to Australia today (Monday) to bring Adrian’s body home. No funeral arrangements have been made yet.