A young Portadown father-of-four will be laid to rest this week following his sudden passing on Friday.
The funeral of Rory Garvey will be held at the Church of St. John the Baptist Drumcree at 11am on Tuesday.
A death notice described Rory as the beloved husband of Sorcha and loving daddy of Piaras, Ruaidhrí Óg, Donnacha, and Eoghan.
He was also the dearly loved son of Eileen and Joe, and dear brother of Tara and Clíodhna.
St Mary’s YCFC led the tributes to the father of two of their players.
“We pray for Rory’s sons and our academy players Ruaidhri Óg, Donnacha, their siblings Piaras and Eoghan, and Rory’s beloved wife Sorcha, as well as the wider family circle.
“Rory was a keen sponsor and supporter of our Grassroots programme and will be sorely missed at training sessions and on match days. Though we, as a club, will miss Rory, the greatest loss is to his family and close friends. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you all at this very sad time.”
The Tír na nÓg GAA club in Portadown also paid tribute.
“The committee and members of Tír na nÓg extend our deepest sympathies to our G4MO player, Sorcha, on the passing of her husband, Rory,” they wrote.
“We also offer our heartfelt condolences to their sons, Ruaidhrí Óg and Donnacha, our underage players, and to Piaras and Eoghan on the loss of their father.
“Our thoughts are also with former senior player and manager Joe, Rory’s father, mother Eileen, sisters Tara and Clíodhna, and the wider Garvey and Dunbar families during this difficult time. Mary, Queen of the Gael, pray for him.”
Rory’s love of sport was well known, in particular his joy in watching his children play, which brought him a great sense of pride and happiness.
His sudden passing has been met with understandable shock and sadness within the local community.
One person spoke of Rory’s “wicked sense of humour.”
“Taken far too young and in the most tragic of circumstances. May his young soul rest in peace, and may his entire family circle be given the strength to come to terms with this.”
Many spoke of Rory as a gentleman, a man who enjoyed the craic on the sidelines – a man who will be missed by many.
Rory will repose at his Selshion Hall home today from 12 noon until 10 pm.
His interment will follow Requiem Mass tomorrow.
Family flowers only, donations if desired to I.C.U. Craigavon Area Hospital, c/o the family. Donation Box in the family home.
May he Rest in Peace.
