Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a young boy “whose character and light shone very brightly” following his death.
P J Dallat & Sons Funeral Directors said Joe Hegarty died as a result of an accident on Friday 16 August 2024.
The Ballycastle Chronicle reported that it was a “farm accident”.
He was the much loved and adored son of Andrea and Michael, loving brother of Katie, cherished grandson of Denise and Eamon McIlroy and Mary and Seamus Hegarty.
A funeral notice added: “Deeply regretted by his loving father, mother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, the entire family circle and the wider community.
“Joe loved Carey and the GAA, he loved colour and all sport. Instead of wearing black, and In honouring Joe’s memory, the family invite you to wear your favourite sports top or colourful clothing to Joe’s wake and funeral.”
His aunt, Jade Hegarty shared a post online saying : “Our hearts are broken wee man. So deeply regretted by Uncle Paul, Aunty Jade, and your ‘Lisburn Hegartys’, Grace, your wee mate Aoife and Ada. We love you wee pet xx.”
Carey Faughs hurling club in Co Antrim said they are “heartbroken at the devastating news” Joe Hegarty’s passing.
“The community wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Michael, Andrea & Katie along with the Hegarty & McIlroy families on their loss,” a statement added.
“Joe loved Carey Faughs and we all loved Joe.
“It wouldn’t have been a Carey match if Joe wasn’t there, cheering the boys on, home or away. He knew every player and their positions for every match.
“Half time and he would be on the pitch taking his points with great ease. He just loved to be at the hurling field.
“Joe was a character and his light shone very brightly, he made friends wherever he went. It wouldn’t be often that you would see Joe in anything else but his Carey gear.
“Like his mum and dad, Joe led from the front. Michael and Andrea are great ambassadors of “Carey Faughs and work hard at promoting under age Gaels of the club with Faughs Óg, alongside Joe’s Aunt Lauren.
“Some of our current players played alongside and were coached by Michael over the years and he helped coach the team last year, alongside Joe’s uncle Patrick (and Joe too).
“We are a community sharing in their heartbreak and hope that we can give them enough love and support to help them through their unimaginable loss.
“I think it’s safe to say that Joe was Carey’s No.1 fan.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Naomh Padraig GAA club in North Antrim said: “It is with deep sadness that we learn of the sad passing of one of our own young players.
“Wee Joe Hegarty was a ray of sunshine at all our games, never happier than with his hurl in his hand running onto the pitch.
“From cheering on Naomh Padraig hurlers and camogs to lining out with his own team, his noticeable buoyant presence at training, or walking Carey Senior hurlers onto the pitch as chief mascot on match days, our memories of ‘Wee Joe’ will remain as awesome as he was himself.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s parents; our esteemed hurling and camogie coaches Andrea and Michael our committee member, our camogie player Joe’s sister Katie and the wider McIlroy and Hegarty families at this time, as well as all others in our community impacted by the profound loss this passing brings.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam. Our Little Legend, Wee Joe.”
Meanwhile, Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland said: “My son plays in the same hurling team as wee Joe Hegarty and everyone in our Carey Parish and the wider area are devastated.
“Our hearts are sore thinking of the Hegarty family and all those close to Joe. Joe’s mum and dad give so much to our children through their coaching, and we’re heartbroken this has happened to one of theirs.
“I know our parish, our Naomh Padraig and Carey Faughs GAA community, that Joe was such a wonderful part of, will do everything in their power to surround the family with care and love.
“My love goes to Michael, Andrea and Katie as they navigate the days and weeks ahead.
“Ar deis Dé go riabh a anam.”