Former Tyrone footballer and Antrim manager Jody Gormley has passed away at the age of 53. The news was announced on Monday evening by his brother Damian, three months after he was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer.
"It is with profound sadness that I announce my brother Jody passed away peacefully this evening," he posted on social media.
After defeat in the Tyrone county final in October, Trillick manager Jody Gormley told his players he had months to live.
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The 1995 Ulster Championship winner and All-Ireland finalist later told the BBC Social podcast. “I have no fear of dying. No fear of dying whatsoever. I've felt blessed my entire life.
"The sadness is the people you're leaving behind. That I'll not get to see my son (James), he's training hard with Trillick, he's come back after a couple of years, that I'll not get to see him play and I'll not get to see my family grow up and mature.”
Tributes poured in following the tragic news of his death, with his words touching so many people during his battle with illness.
His last post on social media was a meme with the quote 'we only live once', overruled by another line stating 'wrong, we only die once. We live every day'.
He told the BBC podcast of how he would like to be remembered and his native Trillick club used his last line their in their tribute online. "And obviously a Trillick man. Go Raibh Suaimhneas Síoraí Air - Eternal Rest Be Upon Him," they said.
One of those who played under Gormley with Trillick this year, former Tyrone county ace Richie Donnelly, shared his moving tribute. "Our warrior has passed, but he’ll live forever around here. Words won’t do him justice and he has changed the lives of so many. We love you Jody, a Trillick man."
Tyrone GAA shared their lengthy tribute on Tuesday morning. ""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.'"
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill posted her tribute also, saying: "I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jody Gormley. Throughout his illness, Jody showed incredible strength, courage, and resilience. 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. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Down GAA stated on Facebook: "Former Down coach Jody Gormley has sadly passed after his battle with Cancer. Jody was in Paddy O'Rourke's Management team from September 2004 - June 2007, he later managed Bredagh. RIP."
Patrick Kelly replied to the post on social media from Damien Gormley, saying: "Jody was a hero to all of Trillick. He always, always made us so proud. Colossal of a man who impacted so many and so many loves are better for having met Jody."
Tony Connolly replied: "An inspirational giant of a man. Such sad news. Condolences to all of you, RIP."
The Crossmaglen Rangers club in Armagh stated: "Cross Rangers are saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Jody Gormley. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gormley family, fellow Gaels at Trillick and Tyrone, & colleagues & students of Abbey CBS. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
"Prayers to you and all your family. Jody is a beautiful soul, RIP," said former Mayo star Conor Mortimer.
Gormley was a secondary school teacher at Abbey CBS in Newry and is survived by his wife Deirdre and children Aine, James and Niamh.
Thursday's Rannafast Cup final between Abbey CBS and Omagh CBS has been postponed.
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