Aodhán Gillen: Tributes to Dundela footballer knocked down by car

Tributes have been paid to a footballer who died almost a month after he was hit by a car in County Antrim.

Aodhán Gillen, who played for Dundela Football Club in east Belfast, was 22 years old.

He was struck by a grey Volkswagen Tiguan on Scullions Road in Newtownabbey on the morning of Tuesday 14 March.

He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for treatment but died on Thursday.

Dundela Football Club said the young winger had a "caring nature".

"[Aodhán's] friendly attitude made him a popular player with his teammates and members of the club," said Dundela.

He had joined the Championship club from Carrick Rangers in January.

Posting on social media, Dundela described him as "quiet man but when he got a ball at his feet he became a different person".

Aodhán Gillen had played for Dundela, Carrick Rangers and Newington

"In the short time Aodhán was at Dundela he very quickly showed how talented a player he was," said the club.

"Aodhán was a throwback to the golden days of out-and-out wingers.

"Confident on the ball, pace and belief in his own ability saw him dominate full backs in his early games.

"But what made Aodhán stand out most was his determination to continually improve and his unselfish nature."

The club said it would be providing support for its players and staff in the wake of his death.

Carrick Rangers said he had been a popular figure at the club with exciting potential and a hard-working attitude.

Newington, another of his former clubs, said he was "not only a great player but more importantly a great person who was loved by all at Newington".

"Aodhàn was a massive part of our club's recent successes," added the north Belfast club.