Tributes paid to former Tyrone star Jody Gormley

Tributes have been paid to the former Tyrone gaelic footballer Jody Gormley who has died at the age of 53.

Mr Gormley won the Ulster Senior Football Championship in 1995 and reached the All-Ireland final the same year.

News came last night of the former Down coach and Antrim manager's passing.

He had recently revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said Mr Gormley had shown "incredible strength, courage and resilience in his illness".

In a tribute posted on Facebook, Mr Gormley's club Trillick St Macartan's said: "Our club and community is devastated following the passing of our former player and senior manager Jody Gormley.

"Our most sincere and heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Jody’s family, his wife Deirdre, daughters Áine and Niamh and son James. His mother Sheila, brothers Damian and Eoin and sister Anita.

"He is pre deceased by his father Eugene a former successful player and long serving club officer. As well as his wider family and his wide circle of friends.

"Jody played for our club from a young age and has been involved in a number of teams throughout his playing career. He played for Tyrone and won a number of accolades including two u21 All Irelands in 1991 and 1992. Jody played in the famous 1995 All Ireland Final and scored the only other point bar Peter Canavan’s scores.

"Jody has had a very successful career both as a player and a coach. Mainly playing for Tyrone - nobody will forget that point in the 95’ Ulster Semi Final against Derry. He also won a London Championship with Tir Chonaill Gaels during his time living in London."

The post added: "Post playing, Jody managed a number of teams and was successful with the Antrim team who won the Tommy Murphy Cup and won the Hogan Cup with Abbey CBS.

"A man with plenty of experience who then returned to his beloved Trillick. In his first year, with Nigel Seaney, our senior team won the League Title in 2022. In 2023 Jody won the double (league and championship) with the same group of lads. 2024 we went for back to back championship wins with Jody as the leader but unfortunately lost at the last hurdle.

"The words cannot describe the heartache our club is feeling right now. Jody was a true red from a young age, playing from underage to senior level. To then managing our senior team to an historical double in 2023.

"Jody was one of a kind and when returned to Trillick brought an aurora with him like no other. Throughout his time with Trillick as player and more recently as a manager he has made an impression on everyone - coaches, players and club members of all levels in a short period of time. A lot of people will have learnt a lot from him and how to hold themselves. Jody truly is an inspiration, forever our hero and forever a red!!!

"Go Raibh Suaimhneas Síoraí Air - Eternal Rest Be Upon Him."

Catch up with the latest UTV Live on ITVX

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.