Tributes have been paid to a Co Armagh man who died suddenly after taking ill in Lurgan Credit Union on Tuesday morning.
Barry McAreavey was in his 50s and his passing has shocked an entire community.
The Lurgan Grapevine, a popular Facebook page, posted a glowing tribute to the football-mad “legend”.
“Very sorry to hear the news about Barry McAreavey,” the page posted.
“Barry was a Clan NaGael and Lurgan Celtic Legend.
“The big fella was respected and loved by all who knew him.
“I was on a few Celtic trips away in Europe with him and he was a real nice man. Very hard to take in I was talking to him a couple of Sunday’s ago in the Clans.
“Deepest condolences to the McAreavey family and his extended family and friends.”
A funeral notice said Mr McAreavey was the dearly beloved partner of Sonia, Beech Court Lurgan R.I.P, and loving daddy of Emily and Aaron, much loved son of Mary, beloved brother of Gary and Danny and dear nephew of Willie and Joey.
His funeral will take place on Friday at 9 30am from his late residence to St Paul’s Church for 10am Requiem Mass. Interment afterwards in St Colman’s Cemetery.
Very deeply regretted by his loving partner, children, mother, brothers, uncles, sister-in-law Susan, Danny’s partner Emma, nieces Cassie and Mary, nephews Anton, Gary and Caólan and family circle.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to Chest, Heart and Stroke Association c/o Jack McLearnon & Son Funeral Directors 75 North Street Lurgan BT67 9AH or donation box in the home.
Others paid tribute online, with one woman describing him as “a lovely friendly fella”.
One person wrote: “Barry was thoroughly decent fella who will be sorely missed.”
While another said: “A gentleman who would have kept a nation going. Rest in Peace Barry.”
