Former Tyrone GAA star and Trillick GAC Senior football manager Jody Gormley was a “remarkable man in life” who showed “immense courage” as he faced terminal illness, Fermanagh and Omagh District councillors have said.
Gormley passed away on December 9 a short time after announcing he had been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.
Sinn Féin councillor Stephen McCann said: “At the time of his death Jody was the Senior football manager at St McCartan’s, and only a few short weeks ago was on the sideline at Healey Park in Omagh.
“It’s so hard to believe he’s no longer with us.”
He continued: “Jody was indeed a remarkable man who achieved much in his short life.
“He was only 53 when he died, and was involved in various teams including the Tyrone Seniors and was part of the team who played Dublin in the All-Ireland Final in 1995.
“In addition, he owned two All-Ireland medals at Tyrone Under-21 level in 1991 and 1992.”
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Mr McCann set out how Mr Gormley also had successes in Antrim winning the Tommy Murphy Cup and helped steer Abbey CBS in Newry to the Hogan Cup win.
“His mark is indelibly left on the GAA. He touched the lives of all who knew him and even those who didn’t.
“When news of his illness became public, he recorded a podcast with Thomas Niblock and Oisin McConville, and in that discussion one can only be truly amazed at his immense courage and be humbled as he faced his terminal illness.
“It was a testament to how remarkable a man Jody Gormley was. He was a natural leader and a role model.”
It was noted Mr Gormley’s good friend Paddy Heaney remarked: “The biggest lesson he gave us all was his life. He showed us how to live and he even showed us how to die.”
Speaking in support, Independent councillor Josephine Deehan said: “Jody certainly was a remarkable man in life and approaching his death.
“He really is a very strong role model for all of us.”
Condolences were extended to Mr Gormley’s wife, Deirdre; children Aine, James and Niamh; mother Sheila; and siblings Damian, Anita and Eoghan.