Latest news with #PontnewynyddAFC
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Tributes pour in for talented footballer, 19, who died suddenly as club make emotional gesture to player who brought 'joy and strength to everyone'
A 'talented' young footballer has died suddenly, aged just 19 with his club retiring his shirt number as a mark of respect. Pontypool footballer Tristan O'Keef tragically passed away on Wednesday, June 11, leaving his family and friends 'devastated'. Tristan played more than 100 games for Pontnewynnd AFC, playing an 'integral part' in the club's 'unforgettable undefeated league campaign' that ended in promotion to the Gwent Premier League. In an emotional tribute from the club, the club said they would retire his number 3 shirt and hang it up in the changing room. He was described as 'kind and humble young man' who was 'loved by his teammates, respected by his coaches, and cherished by all at Pontnewynydd AFC'. The statement from the club read: 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of one of our own — Tristan O'Keefe. 'Tristan wasn't just a talented footballer — he was a bright light in our club, a kind and humble young man who brought energy, joy, and strength to everyone around him. 'Loved by his teammates, respected by his coaches, and cherished by all at Pontnewynydd AFC, Tristan was an integral part of our unforgettable undefeated league campaign — a journey that led us to promotion to the Gwent Premier League. 'His presence was felt in every game, every training session, and every moment off the pitch. 'Tristan. You will always be a part of Pontnewynydd AFC. Forever 19. Forever our Number 3.'
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Balloons fly as hundreds honour Tristan O'Keefe at Pontypool memorial
The memorial was marked by a balloon release as family, friends, teammates, and members of the Pontypool community came together to remember the young player. Attendees stood in silence before releasing balloons into the sky, in a powerful visual tribute to a life lost too soon. Tristan was a key player for Pontnewynydd AFC, making over 100 appearances for the club. He played a central role in the team's undefeated season that saw them promoted to the Gwent Premier League. 'Tristan was a gentle soul that was loved by everyone. He was always smiling and brought happiness to everyone around him. We have retired the number 3", said Harry Furness his coach. In his memory, the club has retired the number 3 shirt, which will be framed and placed in the changing rooms as a permanent tribute. A statement from Pontnewynydd AFC described him as 'a kind and humble young man who brought energy, joy, and strength to everyone around him.' A memorial match has also been organised for Saturday, 28 June, at The Ruffets, home of Pontnewynydd AFC (NP4 8HR). Former players, including those who were part of the club's league-winning side, will take part. A minimum donation of £10 per player will go towards supporting Tristan's family. A GoFundMe campaign, launched by Tia Hicks to help with funeral costs, has already raised over £5,000. The club said: 'We will never forget you, Tristan. You will always be a part of Pontnewynydd AFC. Forever 19. Forever our Number 3.'
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Talented Pontypool footballer Tristan O'Keefe dies aged 19
Tristan's family, friends, club, and supporters have been left shocked by his untimely passing on Wednesday, June 11. As an integral part of the Pontypool side, Tristan played over 100 games for the club and was a huge part in their undefeated league campaign that led them to promotion to the Gwent Premier League. As a mark of respect, the club is retiring Tristan's number 3 jersey and plan to frame and hang it in their changing rooms as a constant reminder of his presence on and off the pitch. Tristan's number 3 jersey will be retired by the club (Image: Pontnewynydd AFC) A statement from Pontnewynydd AFC reads: 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of one of our own — Tristan O'Keefe. 'Tristan wasn't just a talented footballer — he was a bright light in our club, a kind and humble young man who brought energy, joy, and strength to everyone around him. Loved by his teammates, respected by his coaches, and cherished by all at Pontnewynydd AFC, Tristan was an integral part of our unforgettable undefeated league campaign — a journey that led us to promotion to the Gwent Premier League. His presence was felt in every game, every training session, and every moment off the pitch. 'As a mark of our deepest respect and in loving memory of Tristan, we are retiring the number 3 shirt, the number he proudly wore for this club. His jersey will be framed and placed permanently in our changing rooms — a symbol of the incredible impact he made and a reminder that he will always be with us, in spirit and in heart. 'Our entire club is grieving. No words can express the pain we feel or the loss suffered by those closest to Tristan. To his family and friends, we extend our deepest condolences and our unwavering support during this heart-breaking time. 'We will never forget you, Tristan. 'You will always be a part of Pontnewynydd AFC. 'Forever 19. Forever our Number 3.' A vigil in Tristan's memory will be held Saturday 14th June at 3pm at Lasgarn Pitch, . A GoFundMe campaign to help Tristan's family with funeral costs has so far raised more than £5,000. You can donate here: Fundraiser by Tia Hicks : Tristan O'Keefe
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Popular footballer dies aged 19
Popular footballer dies aged 19 Tributes have been pouring in for much-loved Tristan O'Keefe who was known for his 'kind' and 'humble' personality Tristan O'Keefe has died aged just 19 (Image: O'Keefe family ) A "kind and humble" footballer has died at the age of 19. Tristan O'Keefe, who was described as a "bright light" at the Welsh side he represented dozens of times, died on Wednesday. The death of the talented Pontnewynnd AFC footballer, who was a vital part of the side's undefeated league campaign which secured the team's promotion to the Gwent Premier League, has left his family, friends, teammates, and wider community devastated. The side, based near Pontypool in Torfaen, has announced the retirement of his number three shirt. The jersey will be framed and displayed permanently in the changing rooms as a reminder of his dedication and impact he had on the team. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here. The full statement from Pontnewynnd AFC reads: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of one of our own – Tristan O'Keefe. "Tristan wasn't just a talented footballer – he was a bright light in our club, a kind and humble young man who brought energy, joy, and strength to everyone around him. "Loved by his teammates, respected by his coaches, and cherished by all at Pontnewynydd AFC, Tristan was an integral part of our unforgettable undefeated league campaign – a journey that led us to promotion to the Gwent Premier League. Article continues below "His presence was felt in every game, every training session, and every moment off the pitch. "As a mark of our deepest respect and in loving memory of Tristan we are retiring the number three shirt – the number he proudly wore for this club. "His jersey will be framed and placed permanently in our changing rooms – a symbol of the incredible impact he made and a reminder that he will always be with us in spirit and in heart. "Our entire club is grieving. No words can express the pain we feel or the loss suffered by those closest to Tristan. To his family and friends we extend our deepest condolences and our unwavering support during this heartbreaking time. "We will never forget you Tristan. "You will always be a part of Pontnewynydd AFC. "Forever 19. Forever our number three." Terry Leonard, a coach at Pontnewyndd AFC who trained Tristan for several years, shared his personal admiration for the player. "He has left a lot of blood, sweat, and tears on this field," Terry wrote, referring to Lasgarn Pitch, where Tristan played more than 100 matches for the club. "He has always given me 100% whenever he wore the jersey." Terry added: "I feel very privileged to have been a big part of his life and can only wish I could have done more. "I am so glad to have shared so many memories with Tristan and I will cherish them forever." To honour Tristan's life a vigil will be held at Lasgarn Pitch – the very place where Tristan spent so much of his time playing the game he loved. The vigil, organised at the request of Tristan's mother, Gemma O'Keefe, will take place on Saturday, June 14, at 3pm. Article continues below Terry added: "Please share this post with everyone so that we can all say goodbye but never forget you Tristan Shane O'Keefe. Always my boy." A GoFundMe campaign to help Tristan's family with funeral costs has so far raised more than £4,000. To donate go here.
