Published Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Michael McClean, 26, was hiking up a mountain or volcano with younger brother Conor when he fell and hit his head.
He spoke briefly to his brother before he died, a short time after the accident on Sunday.
Relatives flew out on Wednesday to make preparations to bring the young man's body home, as shock reverberated through his family, friends and teammates.
"His brother was with him when he died and the family take comfort from knowing Michael wasn't alone," St Agnes GAC member, Brendan Mulgrew, told UTV.
But he added that, while the tragic death would be difficult to bear in any circumstances, it was made all the harder by the fact it had happened so far away.
If people in this day and age are looking for role models, they should look to people like Michael McClean - who gave absolutely everything and pointed people in the right direction in life.
Frank Caldwell, St Agnes GAC
"The family are trying to work through all of that now and hopefully the body will be home soon," he said, having been with Michael's parents.
Michael, who recently graduated as a teacher from Liverpool's Hope University, has been described by friends as devoted to his family and to his club - where he coached young players.
"He was the sort of fella who you can't picture without a smile on his face," his friend Conor Caldwell told UTV. "He loved this club - he never missed a kids' training session."
Chairman Frank Caldwell also paid tribute to the man he said was the "lifeblood" of the club, while messages flooded in to St Agnes' website.
"I'll never forget our chats about a few of us young ones breaking on to the senior panel - it feels weird that now we are starting to do so, you won't be there alongside us," Tiernan Monaghan wrote.
"You were one of the nicest guys to walk this earth. I just want to say thank you for everything you have done. Not just for me, but the whole of the club."
Brendan Grieve remembered Michael as someone who "went through life with a smile on his face and, no matter your dealings with big Mick, you couldn't help but smile back".
He added: "I remember his point from under the stands in Casement Park against McDermotts last year - an outrageous effort preceded with a call of 'Don't shoot from there' from yours truly.
"What I wouldn't give to see big Mick shoot from anywhere on the park once again."
Micheal Magill posted: "I still can't believe you're gone, big man ... You were a true gentleman and a gentle giant ... Times together were good and you will be missed."