The funeral of a young Co Londonderry boy who died after a cancer battle has heard tributes to a “little hero” and “real warrior”.
Tony Fitzpatrick passed away on Friday aged nine after suffering from a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.
He had been diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme in March, and underwent surgery and further treatment.
A fundraiser was started on August 30 to support the family during Tony’s treatment. Over £100,000 was raised in just over 24 hours. People would eventually donate over £297,000.
Tony was a passionate GAA player at his local club and also played football with Moyola Park FC, and did Irish dancing at the Smith school of Irish dance.
He was a keen supporter of Liverpool FC, and was said to dream “of playing like Mo Salah one day.”
The funeral began at his family home in Oakvale manor before the mass at Church of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Many of the attendees were wearing the red and white colours of Magherafelt’s O’Donovan Rossa club, of which Tony was a member.
Members of Moyola Park FC, and An Chomhdhail Irish dancing community were also in attendance. Many of Tony’s schoolmates at Holy Primary school watched online via a livestream.
The white coffin was placed in front of the church and family members brought forth mementos to place nearby. They included a framed photo of Tony, and club jerseys.
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Fr John Gates spoke of “very heavy and painfilled hearts” at the passing of “a little hero Tony Fitzpatrick”.
“Today we gather on what is the feast of the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. And how appropriate when another angel, our angel, is admitted to the heavenly ranks.”
Fr Gates’ sermon paid tribute to Tony’s personality and bravery: “For everyone who has journeyed these past six months with Tony and his family, the news of his passing on Friday morning was so heart wrenching, such a disappointment.
“We had hoped against hope that Tony would recover his health and be able to enjoy his youth once more.
“Tony touched the hearts of everyone who knew him, especially over these past six months. His bravery and courage in the face of adversity, of so much treatment, pain and suffering that he head to endure, was truly inspirational.
“In his nine short years Tony Fitzpatrick packed more in than most people do in 90. We’re told in God’s eyes, years are only the blink of an eye, and Tony proved that.
“Tony managed to galvanise a whole community united in support and prayer, something that many a priest tries a lifetime to do.
“Not only did he galvanise a community in prayer, but people from every corner of the globe. Last week I was in Medjugorje, and I had people from South America, North America, Australia, Africa, Asia, even Pakistan and Iraq praying for Tony and his family.
“Many of you have done likewise. That is Tony’s legacy, that is Tony’s miracle.
“Tony was a young man with maturity beyond his years. He was always racing to do everything and pack it all in.
“He was very kind, always thinking of other people, never about himself. He was also very witty, and never lost his good humour throughout his illness.
“We all knew Tony had an uphill battle and nothing short of a miracle was needed. So we prayed and prayed and prayed for that miracle.
“But sadly it wasn’t to be. We don’t, nor ever will, know why. “
The funeral mass was followed by the internment in the cemetery of the church of St John Milltown.
Tony is survived by his sisters, Maggie and Kate, and his parents, Darren and Mary.