Tributes have been paid to a local volunteer in Co Tyrone who was well-known for organising the Greencastle 5 Mile road run.
Oliver McCullagh first set up the popular race in the village in 1986 and ‘put his blood, sweat and tears’ into the event, but sadly passed away on Sunday morning.
Paying tribute to Oliver, the organisers of the event described him as their ‘rock’, and added that he left a great legacy.
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“Our hearts are broken and we are deeply saddened at the untimely passing of our founder, Oliver (Olly) McCullagh RIP,” the group said in a Facebook post.
“He founded the Greencastle 5 Mile Road Run in 1986 and, it's safe to say that, he put his blood, sweat and tears into this annual event for the past 36 years.
“Oliver was never afraid to step up to the mark and he set the targets for many road racing events ever since.
“Not only was he the brains behind all the ideas he was also the organiser, promoter, runner, spokesperson, delivery man, project manager, person in charge, gantry builder, tidy upper, water man, timing chip cutter, race starter, trophy maker, delegater and one of the best friends and neighbour to everyone about.”
The post added that it was ‘unthinkable’ of how the group would organise future events without their founder.
“How things are going to change now is unthinkable and how we will ever be able to manage this amazing event that Oliver has created and built over the decades we will never know, only time will tell.
“One thing is for sure Oliver has left a great legacy behind him in his children and grandchildren and I have no doubt that his great work will carry on and they will continue to make him proud.”
Oliver is survived by his wife Mary and children Connor, Pierce and Olivia, and his funeral service will take place on Tuesday in St Patrick’s Church, Greencastle.
Local running clubs also paid tribute to Oliver, with one describing it as a ‘huge loss’ to the local running community.
“Desperately sad news. Everyone at Omagh Harriers sends condolences at the loss of Oliver,” Omagh Harriers said.
“A huge loss to the local running community. Thoughts are with the McCullagh family at this time.”
Local councillor Emmett McAleer described Oliver as a ‘local legend’ in Greencastle.
“Very sad news from Greencastle, Co. Tyrone with word of the passing of our friend, neighbour and local legend Oliver McCullagh,” Cllr McAleer said.
“A loss which will be keenly felt by the local community, the wider running community, but most sorely by his family.”
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