Shock and sadness at the passing of young soccer fan (15)
SLIGO SHOCKED AT SUDDEN PASSING OF 15-YEAR-OLD STUDENT
SLIGO Rovers have led the tributes to a young soccer man who passed away after a short illness last Friday.
Junior certificate student, Ross McCarrick (15) (pictured right) died following a short illness at the Mater Hospital in Dublin on Thursday.
A minute’s silence was held in his memory before last Saturday’s Premier League game against Cork City at The Showgrounds.
His friends also unfurled a banner in Ross’s memory on the pitch prior to kick-off and in the 15 th minute the crow d broke into spontaneous applause as token of remembrance.
A Sligo Rovers flag and the Irish tricolour flew at half mast at Ross’s secondary schoool, Summerhill College on Monday as a mark of respect.
Ross had been due to sit his junior certificate at the college and his funeral Mass was specially fixed for 4.30pm yesterday (Monday) to allow for his class mates attend following their exams.
Ross, from Cartron Estate was a football fanatic who was much loved a liked in his local community and also at Summerhill College amongst his peers and teachers.
Sligo Rovers in a statement described Ross as a great supporter and said his death had been on the minds of everyone at the club. Ross was a regular at The Showgrounds and took his place in the Jinks’ Avenue stand.
Son of Martin and Dervilla, Ross had one brother, Ryan and a sister, Stephanie. He was the grand-son of Francis and Noreen Dunleavy.
Ross reposed at the family home in Cartron Estate on Saturday and Sunday with private removal on Monday the arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 4:30pm in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballytivnan. Burial followed afterwards in Sligo Cemetery.
There was shock and sadness too in West Sligo at the news of the death of another Sligo Rovers supporter, Gerry Gilroy (pictured below, right) from Drinaghan, Kilglass who died suddenly last Thursday.
HSE employee, Gerry was married just over two months ago and was returning home from Honeymoon when he fell ill.
“Many of us know Gerry for many years of support of our club, with passion and dedication,” said a statement from Sligo Rovers. He was also heavily involved with Kilglass/Enniscrone United soccer club.
He was the club’s long standing PRO and committee member.
“Gerry was the driving force of the amalgamation of Kilglass FC and Enniscrone Utd back in 1998.
“He was past chairman of KEU FC and was ever present in the club to this day.
“He was an avid lifetime supporter of Everton and Sligo Rovers.
“Gerry will be remembered for his wit, charm and his knowledge to all who had the pleasure of meeting this true gent.”
The local GAA club too expressed its condolences saying Gerry won both football and hurling titles during his time at underage level with the club, and later became involved at committee level as PRO.
Gerry too was remembered in the minute’s silence before last Saturday night’s match in The Showgrounds.
Trade Union Fórsa also paid a tribute to Gerry.
“We’re still reeling from the devasting news about the sad and sudden loss of our dear friend and comrade Gerry Gilroy, Health Secretary of our Fórsa Trade Union Sligo Branch.
“A man who lived life with vigour, passion and decency. Sincere condolences from our trade union family to Gerry’s wife Hannah and the Gilroy family,” said a statement.
He is survived by his wife Hannah, brothers John, Eamon, Vincent, Raymond and Michael, sisters Mary, Annie, Dymphna and Sally. He reposed at his residence on Saturday from 4pm until 9pm. Funeral arrived to the Church of the Holy Family, Kilglass on Sunday for Mass of the Resurrection at 12 noon with burial afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Kilglass.
Votes of sympathy were passed at Monday’s meeting of Sligo County Council to both the McCarrick and Gilroy families.