"Heaven has gained two angels" - GAA club lead tributes after Irishman dies in accident in Qatar

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Independent.ie that they are providing consular assistance to the family of an Irishman who was among the dead in the accident.

Eamonn Morgan from Newry, Co Down, and his partner Charlotte Sant from Manchester were both enjoying a day out with friends when the tragedy occurred.

A number of others were injured in the accident and are expected to make a full recovery.

The couple, who are both in their mid-twenties had moved to the Qatari capital Doha last year where they were both working as PE teachers.

The pair had met a number of years earlier while studying in Liverpool.

A keen footballer, Eamonn played with several clubs in the UK and more recently with Qatar GAA.

Charlotte had also taken up the sport with the club last year. In a statement last night Qatar GAA chairperson Peter Crowe said they mourned the loss with a "heavy heart".

He said: "For the Irish abroad, a GAA club can offer much more than the team. "It offers a sense of community, a sense of family, a home away from home, and Qatar GAA is no different.

"It's with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of two of our members, two of our friends, two of our family. I had the privilege of playing with Eamonn for the past year, an absolute gent, never to be seen without a smile on his face and the definition of a 'character' as we'd say back home.

"I also had the pleasure of training Charlotte for the past year, a sweet girl, who took to a new sport with more enthusiasm than you could ever ask for."

"People often don't realise at home how much of a community can be built away from home, but I can tell you, sincerely, that Eamonn and Charlotte were very much central to the community that is Qatar GAA," he added.

Cork native David Healy played with Eamonn at Cu Chulainn GAA Newcastle and had been due to meet him for a holiday next month.

"I just can't believe," he said, "he was the nicest young fella you could ever meet. He was the life and soul of every party.

"We were supposed to meet him for a holiday in Ibiza next month. We are all heartbroken here at the club."

Newry independent councillor Kevin McAteer, a family friend of Mr Morgan, said the community was was in shock following the double tragedy.

Said Mr McAteer: "I knew Eamonn personally, it is a real shock to me and the community.

"He was a great lad, very well thought of around here, as are his family.

"It is a massive shock as you can imagine."

Mr McAteer, who knows the family, said Mr Morgan was originally from Derrybeg Villas.

"He used to play Gaelic for Bosco," he said.

"Most people were told on Saturday. Eamonn was 24. He has been out there for a while.

"I know the Morgan family very well and I have some fond memories of Eamonn, but let's not forget about the family of Charlotte who has also passed away.

"They were so young and full of life. My thoughts and prayers are with both families at this sad time.

"Heaven has gained two angels, may they rest in peace."

Mr Morgan and his partner had moved to Doha in the last year and were both working there as teachers.

They met a number of years earlier while studying in Manchester.

A keen GAA footballer, Eamonn played with several GAA clubs at home, in the UK and more recently with Qatar GAA.

Ms Sant had also recently taken up the sport with the Qatar club.