Tributes have poured in for a young athlete "who brought so much joy and laughter into any room he entered." GAA star Ben Kane, from Glasnevin, Dublin, died "suddenly and unexpectedly" on Saturday, June 13, according to a death notice published by his family on RIP.ie.
Ben, who was known as 'Kaner' to his mates, was the cherished son of Mary and Dermot, adored brother of Amélie, and treasured grandson of Danny, Rita, Dan, and the late Margaret, and nephew of the late Linda. He will be deeply mourned by his extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours, friends, teammates, and fellow club members. Ben was an exceptionally gifted GAA player who was a devoted member of CLG Na Fianna in Glasnevin.
Club Statement
The Dublin club delivered a touching tribute to the well-liked young man in a post shared on social media, reports Dublin Live.
"On behalf of CLG Na Fianna, we extend our deepest condolences to Dermot, Mary and Amélie on the passing of Ben Kane," they said. "Kaner was a valued player, teammate and friend whose spirit, dedication and kindness touched everyone at the club."
"We mourn the loss of a vibrant young life and will always remember his commitment on and off the pitch. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kane family at this heartbreaking time. Ar dheis Dé a raibh a anam."
Trinity College Tribute
Ben attended Trinity College and was a cherished member of their GAA squad, playing a crucial part as they secured the Senior Football Division 2 League title in 2024, while he also helped guide the team to victory in the 2025 Trench Cup as the college regained the trophy for the first time since 2012.
Honouring the gifted sportsman, Trinity College Dublin G.A.A. said: "TCD GAA extend our deepest condolences to Dermot, Mary and Amélie on the passing of former TCD footballer Ben Kane."
"Kaner was a valued teammate - a caring, sound and all round gent. He was a key player in the 2024 League success, 2025 Trench Cup run and 2022 All Ireland Fresher victory."
"We mourn the loss of this life taken too early. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kane family and friends at this heartbreaking time. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís."
Tributes from Friends and Teammates
Ben was enormously well-liked amongst his teammates and fellow students at both Trinity College and Ardscoil Rís secondary school, with an outpouring of tributes flooding in for the gifted footballer, who has been recalled for being "ten times the man off the pitch that he was on it."
A close mate of Ben's said: "I was lucky enough to know Kaner through GAA from nursery right through to adult football. I'll never forget the years of him cheekily dinking the ball over my head in shooting drills, and running off laughing with that big smile on his face."
"He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet, and I will always remember working nights with him, spending hours laughing and joking, while also having the kind of conversations that helped me with life. He was so intelligent, caring, and always had time for others."
"Looking back at the photos and videos from all of the nights out with the team, he was the life and soul of every night and someone who made every occasion better just by being there."
"My thoughts are with Dermot, Mary, Amelie, and all his family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace."
A teammate of Ben's at Trinity added: "When I met Ben playing football in first year in college, I was struck by what an amazing player he was. I learnt over the next few years that he was ten times the man off the pitch that he was on it. He was the kindest, funniest and most genuine lad in the dressing room, and he always lit the place up with his grin."
"I'd like to offer my sincerest condolences to Ben's family, friends and club mates. He'll be sadly missed by everyone lucky enough to have known him."
Another of Ben's teammates added: "I was genuinely privileged to have met Ben playing freshers GAA in TCD in 2021. I am even more privileged to have become good friends over the following years together."
"Ben had the jokes to make an entire dressing room laugh, but he was also extremely kind, and always had a genuine interest in what a friend had to say, with a few words of advice always provided."
"He was truly a lovely person, as well as a fabulous footballer, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
A schoolmate of Ben's from his days at Ardscoil Rís said: "I was fortunate enough to spend 6 years in ASR with Ben and a significant amount of time in BESS with him too."
"He was truly a larger than life personality who brought so much joy and laughter into any room he entered. My lasting memories of him all centre around him having everyone in stitches laughing - either in a classroom, college lecture hall or a football pitch."
"I am truly at a loss for words - my deepest condolences and thoughts go to his family at this time. Fly high Kaner."
Ben's funeral took place at Our Lady of Dolours Church on Botanic Road on Friday, with the young man subsequently laid to rest at Glasnevin Cemetery.
