Tributes have poured in after the death of local GAA legend Hugh Niblock.
The Magherafelt native was associated with the St Gall’s club in West Belfast in recent decades and they announced the news on Twitter this evening.
“It is with great sadness we learn of the passing of Hugh Niblock, an iconic family figure in St Gall’s. The committee and members pass on our sincere condolences to his wife Phyllis, children Paula, Dermot, Barry, Kathy, Kevin & Sarah and all his grandchildren,” the club stated on Twitter.
His son Kevin went on to play for Antrim and won an All-Ireland club title with St Gall’s.
Hugh Niblock played for Derry in the 1970s, winning two Ulster titles alongside his brother Mickey, who is remembered as one of the county’s greatest ever players.
The pair won a Derry senior Championship title for their native Magherafelt in back in 1978.
Derry GAA tweeted: "Hugh Niblock RIP. Ulster SFC winner 1970, 1975. A teacher and a Gael. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Niblock’s nephew, BBC sport presenter and commentator Thomas Niblock said on Twitter: “Don’t think there’s words to describe this man. A champion in sport & a champion in life. After a tough couple of weeks, Hugh Niblock died this morning. Our icon. Phyliss & my six cousins are heartbroken- but proud of the amazing man he was. Kind, humble & loving.”
His hometown club Rossa gaels of Magherafelt stated: “Deepest sympathies to the Niblock family on the passing of Hugh, RIP.
“Hugh, along with a number of his brothers, was part of the 1978 championship winning team. Thoughts are with Hugh’s family in Belfast and the Niblock family in Magherafelt. Mary, Queen of the Gael, pray for him.”
Former St Gall's and Antrim star CJ McGourty simply tweeted: "Legend."
Belfast soccer club Newington FC also paid their respects, saying: “All at the club offer our deepest sympathies to former player, Kevin Niblock and his family on the passing of his father Hugh. May he Rest in peace.”
