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Shaun Keenan

Tributes paid to five-year-old 'angel' Jack who died suddenly

Tributes have been paid to a five-year-old “angel” who died suddenly last week.

Jack Henry from Moneymore, Co Derry, is understood to have taken suddenly ill last week before passing away.

Beloved son of Brendan and Enya and brother of Paddy, Jack's passing has caused an outpouring of grief in the community who are shocked and saddened at his loss.

Read more: Tributes paid to NI teen who died in horror crash in Australia

Described as having "touched the hearts" of many in his short life, his death came only days after he watched his beloved Co Derry lift the Ulster Championship.

St Treas GFC, Ballymaguigan paid tribute to Jack, saying his "beautiful big smile was seen regularly at club activities".

A club spokesperson said: "The Executive Committee and members of St Trea's Ballymaguigan are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of young Jack Henry.

"We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his parents Brendan and Enya, his brother Paddy, grandparents Maureen, Anthony, Eugene and Lorna, aunts, uncles, cousins and the entire Henry ,Young and Crozier family circle.

"Jack has touched the hearts of so many during his short life - his beautiful big smile was seen regularly at club activities where he spent many days with his devoted parents and grandparents. He will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful little boy.

"We keep Jack and all his family in our thoughts and prayers.

"All activities at the club will cease until further notice as a mark of respect."

Henry Joy McCracken GAC Moneymore also paid tribute, adding that Jack was a "very special little boy".

"The committee, members and players of Henry Joy McCracken GAC Moneymore wish to send our deepest condolences to the family of little Jack Henry, Moneyhaw Rd, Moneymore," said a club spokesperson.

"Son of Brendan and Enya and brother of Paddy, Grandson of our esteemed member’s Eugene and Lorna Young and Anthony and Maureen Henry, Ballymaguigan.

"Also, Great Grandson of honorary member Maureen Young, nephew of former committee member and player Christy Young and great nephew of our committee member Declan Young. Our sympathies are with the large extended family circle at this very sad time.

"Jack was a very special little boy, who was born into a family heavily involved with the GAA, and through this we had the pleasure of getting to know Jack and that beautiful smile. An avid Derry Supporter who sported his colours on Sunday past.

"He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all at Henry Joy McCracken’s GAC, Moneymore.

"We are united with St Trea’s Ballymaguigan in grief at this very difficult time.

"Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his little soul."

Hundreds of people have since taken to social media to add their own tributes to the young child.

One person added: "So sad Jack such a beautiful wee boy he will always be an angel in heaven condolences to his parents and grandparents and all the family circle."

Jack's funeral will take place from his home at 44 Moneyhaw Road, Moneymore on Thursday June 9 at 10.15am for 11.00am Requiem Mass in Church of St. John and St Trea Moneymore.

For the funeral, the family have ask that everyone wears their best and brightest.

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Read more: Tributes at Belfast funeral for "perfect" toddler Freddie Briggs who drowned in Spain tragedy

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