The tragedy has left everyone in Navan "devastated" and it is expected that he will have a "colossal funeral" tomorrow, several of his Navan Cosmos clubmates told the Sunday Tribune.

Described as a "quiet and unassuming chap", Paul died on Friday morning after he suffered a blow to the head from an accidental collision with an opposing player during the pre-season friendly game.

His remains will be removed from his home in Abbey Grove, Navan, to Fitzsimon's funeral home this afternoon and later removed to St Oliver's church in the town at 6.15pm before his funeral mass and cremation in Glasnevin tomorrow.

As Paul's family was being comforted by friends and relatives at the family home yesterday, members of the Navan Cosmos club paid tribute to one of their brightest stars.

Club secretary Eamon Kelly said, "Paul had his whole life ahead of him and had everything going for him. He had just qualified as an architect and started his first job in a local firm here in Navan. He was a fine footballer and his parents went to all the matches as they were more like a brother and sister to their two sons."

The successful Navan Cosmos club was founded in 1977 by local businessman Frank Henry who said: "This is one of the saddest things I have ever come across and everyone in the club is distraught. At such a young age with a great career ahead of him it is going to be very difficult for his family to cope with it."