Heartbreaking tributes paid to young GAA player, 6, after he dies in tragic accident
HEARTBREAKING tributes are being paid to a young GAA player who died in a tragic accident earlier this week.
Joe Hegarty passed away after an incident in the Ballynagard Road area of Co Antrim on Friday.
He is understood to have died after a quad bike accident, according to BBC News.
The six-year-old's funeral will take place at St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s Church, Ballycastle on Tuesday at 11.15am.
And Joe's family have made a special request to mourners attending the mass.
His death notice reads: "Hegarty (Ballycastle) Joseph (Joe), 16th August 2024, as the result of an accident, a much loved and adored son of Andrea and Michael, loving brother of Katie, cherished grandson of Denise and Eamon (McIlroy), Mary and Seamus (Hegarty), Ballycastle, R.I.P."
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It adds: "Deeply regretted by his loving father, mother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, the entire family circle and the wider community.
"N.B. Joe loved Carey and the GAA, he loved colour and all sport. Instead of wearing black, and in honouring Joe’s memory, the family invite you to wear your favourite sports top or colourful clothing to Joe’s wake and funeral."
'NUMBER ONE FAN'
Hurling team Carey Faughs said Joe was a "character" and he was their "number one fan".
They said in an online tribute: "All at Carey Faughs are heartbroken at the devastating news of Joe Hegarty's passing.
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"The community wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Michael, Andrea and Katie along with the Hegarty & McIlroy families on their loss.
"Joe loved Carey Faughs and we all loved Joe.
"It wouldn't have been a Carey match if Joe wasn't there, cheering the boys on, home or away.
"He knew every player and their positions for every match. Half time & he would be on the pitch taking his points with great ease. He just loved to be at the hurling field.
"Joe was a character and his light shone very brightly, he made friends wherever he went. It wouldn't be often that you would see Joe in anything else but his Carey gear.
"Like his mum and dad, Joe led from the front. Michael and Andrea are great ambassadors of Carey Faughs and work hard at promoting under age Gaels of the club with Faughs Óg, alongside Joe's Aunt Lauren.
"Some of our current players played alongside and were coached by Michael over the years and he helped coach the team last year, alongside Joe's uncle Patrick (and Joe too).
"We are a community sharing in their heartbreak and hope that we can give them enough love and support to help them through their unimaginable loss.
"I think it's safe to say that Joe was Carey's No.1 fan."
'BUNDLE OF JOY'
St Patrick's & St Brigid's Primary School said Joe was a "much loved bundle of joy" who was "great friends with everyone".
They wrote on Facebook: "St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s PS & NU have been devastated and deeply saddened at the news of the untimely death of our much loved pupil Joseph Hegarty.
"The whole school community of governors, staff and pupils wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Andrea, Michael and Katie and to the extended Hegarty and McIlroy families on their terrible loss.
"Joe was a much loved bundle of joy, a ray of sunshine both in class and around the school with his wonderful sunny personality and charming sense of fun.
"He was friends with everyone and everyone knew his name. He will be greatly missed by everyone throughout the school.
"We offer our love, prayers and support to the Hegarty and McIlroy families and all families affected by this tragic loss in the difficult days ahead."
St John's Camogie Club in Carnlough also said they have been left heartbroken after hearing the news.
A spokesperson said: "Everyone at St John’s Camogie Club Carnlough are deeply saddened at the tragic passing of young Joe Hegarty.
"We have very proud and close links with Naomh Padraig over the past few years and we are all struggling to comprehend this tragic loss.
"Having a young player pass so suddenly is heartbreaking for everyone, especially his close family and friends and we are also thinking on them at this very difficult time.
"We wish to pass on our condolences to his parents Michael and Andrea and his sister Katie.
"No doubt the GAA and Camogie members at Naomh Padraig and Carey will rally around Joe’s family now and forever.
"May his gentle soul rest in peace."