The family, friends and community of North Antrim have been left heartbroken following the tragic death of young Joe Hegarty - a dedicated fan of the Carey Faughs.
The young Ballycastle boy was involved in an accident that occurred on Friday (16 August), which claimed Joseph’s life.
Joe was a well liked pupil of St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s Primary School in Ballycastle, and staff at the school say they are ‘devastated and deeply saddened’.
A spokesperson for the school commented:
“St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s PS & NU have been devastated and deeply saddened at the news of the untimely death of our much loved pupil Joseph Hegarty.
“The whole school community of governors, staff and pupils wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Andrea, Michael and Katie and to the extended Hegarty and McIlroy families on their terrible loss.
“Joe was a much loved bundle of joy, a ray of sunshine both in class and around the school with his wonderful sunny personality and charming sense of fun. He was friends with everyone and everyone knew his name. He will be greatly missed by everyone throughout the school. We offer our love, prayers and support to the Hegarty and McIlroy families and all families affected by this tragic loss in the difficult days ahead.”
Carey Faughs GAC have also paid tribute to Joe - a well known face at the club - and described as Carey’s ‘No. 1 fan’.
A spokesperson for Carey Faughs GAC said:
“All at Carey Faughs are heartbroken at the devastating news of Joe Hegarty's passing.
“The community wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Michael, Andrea and Katie along with the Hegarty & McIlroy families on their loss.
“Joe loved Carey Faughs and we all loved Joe.
“It wouldn't have been a Carey match if Joe wasn't there, cheering the boys on, home or away. He knew every player and their positions for every match. Half time & he would be on the pitch taking his points with great ease. He just loved to be at the hurling field.
“Joe was a character and his light shone very brightly, he made friends wherever he went. It wouldn't be often that you would see Joe in anything else but his Carey gear.
“Like his mum and dad, Joe led from the front. Michael and Andrea are great ambassadors of Carey Faughs and work hard at promoting under age Gaels of the club with Faughs Óg, alongside Joe's Aunt Lauren.
”Some of our current players played alongside and were coached by Michael over the years and he helped coach the team last year, alongside Joe's uncle Patrick (and Joe too).
“We are a community sharing in their heartbreak and hope that we can give them enough love and support to help them through their unimaginable loss.
“I think it's safe to say that Joe was Carey's No.1 fan.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
P. J. Dallet and Sons Funeral Directors have published a funeral notice. It states:
“It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Joseph Hegarty (Ballycastle) R.I.P.
“Hegarty (Ballycastle) Joseph (Joe), 16th August 2024, as the result of an accident, a much loved and adored son of Andrea and Michael, loving brother of Katie, cherished grandson of Denise and Eamon (McIlroy), Mary and Seamus (Hegarty) 28 Atlantic Ave, Ballycastle, BT54 6AL. R.I.P.
“Funeral arrangements will be updated here when they become available. House Strictly Private today, Saturday 17th August, wake will commence from his late residence on Sunday 18th & Monday 19th August 2pm-9pm.
“Deeply regretted by his loving father, mother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, the entire family circle and the wider community.
“N.B. Joe loved Carey and the GAA, he loved colour and all sport. Instead of wearing black, and In honouring Joe’s memory, the family invite you to wear your favourite sports top or colourful clothing to Joe’s wake and funeral.
“𝐎𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥, 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐲.”