Tributes flow to Fionntán McGarvey after his tragic death.
The 18-year-old was allegedly assaulted outside a licensed building on Finaghy Road North in Belfast in the early hours of December 27 last year.
He died in hospital on Thursday and police opened a murder investigation.
A 21-year-old man who had been arrested for investigation was released Thursday evening, having been arrested earlier in the day.
Fionntán was a member of the U20 and senior football team at St Brigids GAC in South Belfast and also played for Queens University Belfast GAA.
St Brigids GAC said: «It is with sadness that we announce the passing of U20 senior football member Fontaine McGarvey.
«The club conveys its condolences to Fontan’s parents, Lorcan and Avene, brothers Colan and Dyer, and sister Sorcha.»
(Photo: PSNI)
Queens GAA posted: «It is with great sadness that we learn this morning of the passing of Fontane McGarvey, one of our junior players.
«Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Fontan’s friends, colleagues and family at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.»
A barber in Belfast tweeted: «It is with great sadness that we learn of the untimely death of our client and friend, Fontan McGarvey.
«We offer our condolences and pray that his parents, Lorcan, Avene, brothers and sister and his family circle find strength over the coming days and weeks. May they rest in peace.»
The former Fontan teacher said: “The school community in Rathmore is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic and unexpected death of our former student, Fontan McGarvey.
«Fontan was an excellent and very popular student and took a full part in school life especially enjoying Gaelic sports and football.»
Kickham’s GAC Publication: Everyone at Kickhams Creggan would like to extend their most sincere condolences to our colleague Gayle, Fontaine McGarvey. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends all at @Naomhbridclg.
In a statement, the teen’s family said: «We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful son Fontan, but are relieved that his desire to donate his organs will provide other families with hope at a time of our profound loss.
“The family is grateful for the many messages of sympathy and support we have received. We will ask for privacy at this most difficult time.”
Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Phelan urged anyone with information that could help the police to come forward.
«I know there were a large number of people in the area at the time and I am appealing to anyone who might have witnessed the assault, or had any information, to come forward,» he said.
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