Tributes paid after sudden death of GAA player
HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a talented Gaelic footballer and father of twin girls who died suddenly at the weekend.
James Reel, from Silverbridge in Co Armagh and aged in his 30s, was described by a close friend as “one in a million” as well as “a loving husband and father, a loyal son and brother and an amazing friend to everyone who was lucky enough to know him”.
He was devoted to his devastated wife Mairead and two daughters.
Members of his local GAA club have flooded social media with messages of sympathy in the aftermath of his sudden death on Sunday.
Justin Mcnulty, who is SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh, offered his condolences to the heartbroken Reel family.
He said it was “tragically sad news”, adding: “My sincere sympathies with the Reel family and with James’ friends, community and clubmates.”
His club, Silverbridge Harps, said it has suspended all activities this week.
“It is with a profound sense of shock and sadness that we report the tragic passing of our club member James Reel RIP,” the club posted on social media. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Reel and Conlon families and their entire circle of friends. May James Rest in peace.”
Neighbouring GAA club Culloville Blues also extended their “deepest condolences to the Reel and Mcgeeney family”, as did Crossmaglen Rangers GFC who posted: “[We] send our deepest condolences to the Reel, Conlon and Mcgeeney families and our fellow gaels, Silverbridge Harps, on the sudden passing of James.”
Mr Reel’s friend Barra O Muiri, a Sinn Fein councillor, said he was “much-loved and respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing him”.
“James was a very talented tradesman, who had gained a reputation for himself as a master of steel and iron work and worked hard at building his business,” he told Armaghi.
“He was a talented footballer who represented his beloved Silverbridge Harps with pride on many occasions.”
Sinn Fein councillor Aoife Finnegan offered her “deepest sympathies” to Mr Reel’s widow and twin girls.
James is survived by his mother Kathleen, brother Paddy and sisters Majella and Aisling.