Dad whose son died in pier tragedy loses cancer battle
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Belfast man who lost his son in a drowning incident in 2004.
Paul ‘PC’ McGeown passed away aged 54 after a short battle with cancer.
Mr McGeown moved to the Killough area around 20 years ago and passed away at home on Sunday surrounded by his family.
The father-of-five was diagnosed with cancer in September.
His teenage son Jordan Murdock died after being swept out to sea at Killough pier.
The 15-year-old was playing with friends on January 11, 2004, when the tragic incident occurred. Despite the efforts of the Coastguard, the St Patrick’s Grammar School pupil was pulled down by a strong current.
His body was found by a dog walker on the beach on February 1 of that year.
A shrine and memorial bench have been erected in Jordan’s memory at the pier.
Seamus Fitzsimons Funeral Directors said that Mr McGeown was “very well thought of ” in the local area.
The firm said there was a large Belfast community living in the Killough area and it had been united in grief following his passing.
Scores of tributes have also been posted on social media for Mr McGeown.
“You’re in the arms of an angel, may you find some comfort here. The man, the myth, the legend. My daddy our PC,” daughter Jessica wrote.
Daughters Eliza-Joe and Olivia added: “One hell of a guy for just one guy.”
Nurse Cara Doherty said that
Mr McGeown was “such a gentleman”.
“A pleasure to have nursed, always had us leaving with a smile. Thoughts and prayers to his amazing family at this difficult time,” she wrote.
“Thoughts are with the whole family. Some great times and memories,” Eamonn Magill said.
Rosie McCann said that Mr McGeown was the “best pool player in Co Down”.
“RIP PC, you will be missed by all, rest easy,” she wrote.
“A legend taken far too soon,” Ryan Martin Sharvin added.
Jenny McQuade said that Mr McGeown would be “reunited with wee Jordan”.
“RIP Paul thoughts and prayers are with Carrie and the girls and all the family, god bless you all,” she said.
Mr McGeown’s funeral took place at St Joseph’s Church yesterday followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
He is survived by his partner Carrie Murdock and children Jessica, Carrie, Eliza-Joe and Olivia.
“Very deeply regretted by his entire family circle,” a family notice read.