Former Tyrone GAA star and Trillick GAC senior football manager Jody Gormley has died aged 53.
He had been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer earlier this year.
Mr Gormley’s brother Damian confirmed the news on social media on Monday evening.
“It is with profound sadness that I announce my brother Jody passed away peacefully this evening,” he said.
His club Trillick St Macartans posted an emotional tribute on their Facebook page, saying the entire community was “devastated”.
“The words cannot describe the heartache our club is feeling right now,” said a spokesperson.
“Jody was a true red from a young age, playing from underage to senior level. To then managing our senior team to an historical double in 2023.
“Jody played for our club from a young age and has been involved in a number of teams throughout his playing career.
“He played for Tyrone and won a number of accolades including two u21 All Irelands in 1991 and 1992.
“Jody played in the famous 1995 All-Ireland final and scored the only other point bar Peter Canavan’s scores.
“Jody was one of a kind and when returned to Trillick brought an aura with him like no other.
“Throughout his time with Trillick as player and more recently as a manager he has made an impression on everyone – coaches, players and club members of all levels in a short period of time.
“A lot of people will have learnt a lot from him and how to hold themselves. Jody truly is an inspiration, forever our hero and forever a red.
“Our most sincere and heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Jody’s family, his wife Deidre, daughters Áine and Niamh and son James. His mother Shiela, brothers Damian and Eoin and sister Anita.”
The Abbey CBS teacher managed the Newry school to its first MacRory Cup title in 19 years back in 2006, finishing the season with a national Hogan Cup title.
The late Jody Gormley (53)
He managed his club to their ninth Tyrone senior football championship title last year, as well as winning the Tyrone senior league in 2022 and 2023.
Jody also took charge at senior intercounty level with Down and Antrim, winning the Tommy Murphy Cup with the latter in 2008.
Following his diagnosis, Mr Gormley said he had “no fear whatsoever of dying”.
He told the BBC GAA Social Podcast that he “felt blessed his entire life” and spoke of the impact the diagnosis had on his family, reflecting that it was “probably tougher on the family than me”.
Podcast host Thomas Niblock paid tribute to Mr Gormley following his death.
“Jody Gormley died this evening. Life is so unfair,” he posted on X.
“I hope his family can take some comfort, in knowing that he was stunning human being. He was the best of us.”
News of his death has led to an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she was “deeply saddened”.
“Throughout his illness, Jody showed incredible strength, courage, and resilience,” she said.
“His empowering words will continue to inspire and help so many others as they navigate their own battles in life.
“My thoughts are with his family and his many friends throughout the GAA.”
Jody Gormley during his time as Antrim manager, where he won the Tommy Murphy Cup in 2008
Crossmaglen Rangers, who faced Mr Gormley’s Trillick side in last year’s Ulster Club championship, also offered their condolences.
“Cross Rangers are saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Jody Gormley,” said a spokesperson.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gormley family, fellow Gaels in Trillick GAA and Tyrone GAA and colleagues and students at Abbey CBS.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Broadcaster Lynette Fay was also among those paying tribute to Mr Gormley online.
“So, so sorry to hear this. Love to Jody Gormley’s family and friends,” she said.
“Tá laoch ar lár (A hero is gone).”