A County Armagh community has been plunged into grief following the sad passing of a hugely popular Lurgan man over the weekend.
Stephen ‘Stevie’ Mallon, from Taghnavan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday morning.
He was the loving partner of Lisa and beloved son of Philip and Pat Mallon, brother of Christine, Philip, Paula, Jude, Barrie, Peter, and the late Helena, as well as dear stepfather of Ryan and cherished grandfather of Rioghán and Órlaith.
St Paul’s GAA club – just a few hundred yards from Stevie’s home, where he was a former player and a club with huge family connections, led tributes to one of their own.
“The committee and members of Naomh Pól CLG deeply regret the death of our former player and member Stevie, son of founding members Philip and Pat, brother to our Chairman Philip and committee members Jude and Barrie.
“We wish to offer our deepest sympathy to his partner Lisa and his entire family circle. Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”
Social media tributes poured in for a young man so highly thought of – a man held in the hearts of many.
One close friend commented: “Stevie Mallon, son, brother, uncle, partner, adopted granda, school mate, team mate, friend to all and the most decent lad you could ever wish to have known.
“We will miss your craic, your dry wit, your conversations and your awful singing. You played hard, worked hard and fought hard to the end. To Pat, Philip, the whole Mallon clan, Lisa and Ryan, I hope you see the amount of tributes and outpouring of emotion and find a small piece of comfort to know how much Stevie was loved.”
Another said: “One of the best he was, always smiling and laughing, great lad, RIP Stevie.”
A spokesperson for Lurgan Celtic FC posted: “Lurgan today lost a great man in Stevie Mallon, a guy who meant a lot to the local community and those who knew him. All at Lurgan Celtic extend heartfelt condolences to his whole family at this testing time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Members of Taghnaven community commented: “On behalf of everyone in Taghnaven and afar I would like to send my condolence to Phillip and Pat Mallon on the death of their beloved son Stevie.
“Sorry to his brothers and sisters Christine, Paula, Peter, Jude, Phillip, Barry and his late sister Helena. I can’t imagine what yous are going through. Also to Lisa Gilmore I’m truly truly sorry for your loss big hugs to you all may Stevie rest in eternal peace. Mary Queen of the Gail pray for him.”
Others shared fond memories, one which included how “Stevie looked out for me in so many ways growing up playing for the club he was like a big bother to me always had my back and I could talk to him about anything. The estate and Lurgan has lost a true gentleman”.
Sadly, due to current restrictions the house and funeral will remain private, however, Requiem Mass can be viewed on St. Paul’s Parish webcam on Tuesday, March 23 at 10am
Our Lady of Lourdes pray for him.
Will be sadly missed and always remembered by his loving partner, family and entire family circle.
Family flowers only please with donations in lieu if desired to, Southern Area Hospice, c/o McAlinden & Murtagh Funeral Directors, 2 North Street, Lurgan T: 02838 324404.
