A deep sense of shock and grief has enveloped a county Armagh community following the untimely passing of a young father.
Gary Grimley, from Madden, died suddenly on Tuesday surrounded by his loving family. He was in his late 20s.
A death notice described Gary as the loving son of John and Ann, beloved brother of Louise (Shay), Carly (Padraic) and Leah (Alan), and much loved father to Senán; a devoted partner of Sally and her daughter Olivia, and uncle to Daithí and Senan.
His local GAA club, Madden Raparees, said they were “deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of former underage player Gary Grimley”.
“A young gentleman whose life has been taken far too soon. Our sincere condolences are sent to his parents John and Anne, his sisters Louise, Carly and Leah, and to his extended family & friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Gary was also a keen road bowls and bowls player.
Paying tribute, Road Bowls in Ireland wrote: “Our sincere condolences are to his parents John (Goose) and Anne, his sisters Louise, Carly and Leah, his son Seanan and to his extended family and friends.
“Gary was a wee gem and he’ll be dearly missed by us all ❤️ R.I.P buddy. From all of the Smith family Armagh and Mayo. From all the team here on road bowls in Ireland and all our followers.”
Monaghan Zone Shortmat Bowls also posted: “Gary Grimley played with Madden Bowls Club and had a keen interest in the game. Always had a smile on his face and always said hello. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time and thoughts too with his fellow bowlers in Madden. May Gary’s soul rest in peace.”
Many, many others paid online tributes to a young man who touched the lives of many he encountered.
James wrote: “Absolutely shocked and devastated to hear about the passing of a good dancing friend of us all Gary Grimley. Many nights we shared up and down the country – good memories that we will all cherish. Gary was an absolute gentleman and his smile would light up the room. RIP brother. Your spirit will live on in the hearts of so many.”
Neil added: “Very sad day for all who knew Gary Grimley, a real decent lad I went to Greenmount college with; many great nights we had dancing and galavanting around Monaghan, the Bushtown and the Ryandale, spinning about in my wee Clio back in the day, thinking of all his family, friends and past college friends.”
Deborah commented: “Heaven gained another angel far too soon 💔 Gary you will be sadly missed by absolutely everyone who knew you, you are one of the kindest and warming men I know and you have left so many happy and funny memories to last a lifetime, I will sorely miss you, love you 💔 rest in peace Gary xxx.”
Hailey posted: “I’ll never understand the way god works, one of the nicest people you’d of ever met, such a hard time for such a lovely family, rest easy Gary Grimley 💙🙏.”
While Shane said Gary “could always put a smile on someone’s face” with the stories he would tell.
Funeral details have not yet been released. To all of Gary’s friends and family, we at Armagh I offer our condolences.
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