Darragh Nelson, former Dublin footballer, dies at 36

Former Dublin footballer Darragh Nelson has died at the age of 36 following a four-year battle with extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, a rare form of sarcoma. Nelson was a prominent figure in Gaelic football, most notably captaining Ballyboden St Enda’s to an All-Ireland senior club football title in 2016.

During his career, Nelson was part of Dublin’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship-winning panels in 2011 and 2013. He also secured three Dublin and two Leinster senior club titles. Recognized for his leadership and skill, he was named the 2015 Dublin Footballer of the Year and was one of the six club representatives selected as AIB Club Players of the Year.

Nelson’s battle with cancer included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. In late 2024, scans indicated tumor growth in his lung, hip, and pancreas. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, and two sisters.