Community in mourning following death of six-year-old boy as GAA clubs pay tribute
Joseph (Joe) Hegarty, died after the incident on Friday
A community has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of a six-year-old boy in a quad bike accident.
Joseph (Joe) Hegarty, died after the incident in Ballynagard Road area, near Ballycastle, Co Antrim, on Friday.
Tributes have been paid by the wider community, as they remember the six-year-old fondly known as "wee Joe." He has been remembered for his involvement in GAA, and being a "much loved bundle of joy," reports Belfast Live.
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North Antrim MLA, Sian Mulholland, said her son played in the same hurling team as Joe. She said the wider community is "devastated" by his passing, adding: "Our hearts are sore thinking of the Hegarty family and all those close to Joe.
"Joe’s mum and dad give so much to our children through their coaching, and we’re heartbroken this has happened to one of theirs.
"I know our parish, our Naomh Padraig and Carey Faughs GAA community, that Joe was such a wonderful part of, will do everything in their power to surround the family with care and love. My love goes to Michael, Andrea and Katie as they navigate the days and weeks ahead."
Naomh Padraig GAC, the club Joe played for, also paid tribute, remembering him as a "ray of sunshine" who was "never happier than with his hurl in his hand running onto the pitch."
They added: "From cheering on Naomh Padraig hurlers and camogs to lining out with his own team, his noticeable buoyant presence at training, or walking Carey Senior hurlers onto the pitch as chief mascot on match days, our memories of “Wee Joe” will remain as awesome as he was himself.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s parents; our esteemed hurling and camogie coaches Andrea and Michael our committee member, our camogie player Joe’s sister Katie and the wider McIlroy and Hegarty families at this time, as well as all others in our community impacted by the profound loss this passing brings. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam. Our Little Legend, Wee Joe."
Carey Faughs GAC said they were "heartbroken" at the news of Joe's passing. They paid tribute to the six-year-old, remembeing his love for the club, and his involvement at each of their games, whether home or away.
They said: "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."
Joe's school, St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s PS & NU, said they are "deeply saddened" at the news of his untimely passing. They added: "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."
Joe's funeral notice asks for those attending his wake and funeral to wear their favourite sports top or colourful clothing in his memory.
PJ Dallat & Sons Funeral Directors said: "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).
"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.
"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."
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