Mystery as female footballer, 29, dies on holiday in Prague after falling ill as boyfriend pays tribute
TRIBUTES have flooded in for a footballer who mysteriously died on a holiday in Prague after she fell ill.
Daire Ni Heidhin, from Dundalk in Ireland, became unwell during a city break with pals in the Czech Republic over the weekend.
The 29-year-old was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away on Saturday in the Czech capital.
Daire's heartbroken boyfriend told of his devastation at her death while remembering her as the "most beautiful and sweetest girl".
He wrote in a post online: "I can’t believe I’m even writing this. I just feel like I am stuck in a dream and I can’t get out of it.
"Babe you have made me the happiest man that I never knew I thought was possible for someone to feel.
"There was not one moment in the time we had that I never felt like the luckiest and most loved person in the world from the very first time we laid eyes on each other.
"I love you so much and I will forever babe."
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A friend of the late early years childcare practitioner and talented football player also paid tribute to Daire.
She said: "The sister I never had, my partner in crime and my bridesmaid to be. I will love you forever and always Daire."
The 29-year-old sports fan was a popular member of Dundalk Young Irelands GAA club, who said they are "devastated" by the news in a statement on social media.
A Facebook post from Saturday read: "My hands are shaking and the tears are rolling down my face as I tell you about the sudden passing of one of our princesses.
"Early this morning our friend and comrade Daire was taken from us and given her angel wings.
"We are all devastated for her and her family and friends. Life can be so cruel. Far too young to leave us.
"You will be sadly missed by all your team mates at the DYI where you were much loved and adored.
I can’t believe I’m even writing this. I just feel like I am stuck in a dream and I can’t get out of it.
Daire's heartbroken boyfriend
"You can see by the pictures how close these girls are. FAMILY.
"May your family have the strength to get over these few days and send you on your way to heaven.
"Fly high kid. 'Our Joys will be greater, our love will be deeper, our life will be fuller because we shared your moment'."
has been set up to raise funds to help bring Daire's body back home to Ireland.
A message reads: "So many people have been in contact wanting to help Daire's family at this very difficult time.
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"So in response to people's kindness, we Daire's friends, have decided to set up this Go Fund Me page to allow people to help and support her family in bringing her home.
"All excess funds will be donated to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust."