Rohan Cosgriff: Friends and family see off beloved student and footballer at Ballarat funeral

The family of a much-loved Ballarat student and footy player has paid tribute to their beloved boy after his shock death.

Friends and family have gathered for the funeral of a much-loved Ballarat student and football player after his shock death.

Tributes have been pouring in for Rohan Cosgriff, 17, after he died suddenly on July 26.

His heartbroken parents, Beck and Anthony and siblings Grace, Darcy and Freya paid tribute to Rohan in a notice in the Ballarat Courier, describing him as a beloved son and adored brother.

“Our kind and beautiful boy,’’ the notice said.

Another notice described Rohan as a “dearly loved grandson” and nephew, who was especially loved by his 25 cousins.

A funeral for Rohan was held at St Patrick's Cathedral on August 8.

“Rest in peace, Ro, we love you.”

The Waubra Football Netball Club, where Rohan started playing when he was eight, paid tribute to him online.

In a statement the club said it was “deeply saddened” by the “skilled footballer and genuine all-rounder’s death”.

It said Rohan and his family were “loved and respected” by everybody.

Rohan, who also loved horse racing, was a year 11 student at St Patrick’s College.

His peers were informed of his death on Wednesday.

Principal Steven O’Connor sent a letter to parents explaining the “sad news” and said the college was “providing support for Rohan’s family and had offered them the sympathy of the college community”.

Rohan Cosgriff.

He added the school would be “concentrating on supporting our students and staff over the coming days”.

Rohan was one of horse trainer Anthony Cosgriff and wife Beck’s four children.

His older brother, Darcy, paid tribute to his brother online on Thursday.

Rohan Cosgriff has been farewelled in a moving funeral.

“So lucky to have had you as a little brother. Gonna miss you, Ro. Be good up there.”

His older sister, Grace, also paid tribute.

“You’ll always be my boaty boy.”

Earlier this year, both St Patrick’s College and the club were devastated by the sudden death of former pupil and staff member and stalwart Waubra football player James Petrie.

Mr Petrie was a much-loved Ballarat High School physical education teacher at the time of his death.

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