Jody Gormley RIP | Tyrone GAA

“I’d just like to be remembered as a decent person… and obviously, a Trillick man”

The loss of Jody Gormley is something that goes far beyond his own greatly-loved ones, being harshly felt across Trillick, Tyrone, Ulster, Ireland, and beyond, and throughout those vital worlds of GAA, community, and education.

A footballer of style, class, commitment, and great effectiveness, Jody equally shared those qualities with us across all other aspects of life. On the field he energised Tyrone across three decades. He was central to those early 1990s Under 21 successes which took us to totally new places as a County. Then for a decade he pivoted our Seniors at midfield, playing in the 1995 All-Ireland Final and still with us when we won the 2002 National League, Tyrone’s first National Senior title. After that he moved on to deliver as a manager at Club, School and County levels. Always, always somebody who unerringly left things better than he found them.

In his so-moving podcast discussion about his pitiless diagnosis, Jody serenely observed: “I’ve felt blessed my entire life.” We were the ones who were blessed.

‘Na caoin deor ar m’imeacht, ach cuimhnigh mar a bhí mé | Do not mourn my departure, but remember me as I was.’

Our deepest sympathy goes to Deirdre, Áine, Niamh and James, to his entire family circle, to his many, many friends, colleagues, pupils and team-mates, and to the Gaels of Trillick who he cherished so much.

‘Gura móide Teaglach na Glóire a anam | May the Family of Glory be enriched by his soul.’