Tributes have been paid to an ‘iconic figure’ of a local GAA club in Co Tyrone who sadly passed away at the weekend.
Gerard McCann was a much-loved volunteer within the Errigal Ciaran GAA club near Ballygawley for over 50 years.
Known as "Wee Gerry" to many throughout the county, the 69-year-old served as an honorary president of the club before becoming ill in recent years.
Read more: GP services in Tyrone under threat as urgent meeting requested with Health chief
Errigal club chairperson Emmett McGinley said Gerry will be sorely missed by all of those in the local community.
“Gerry was everything you could have hoped for as a member of our club, always willing to help out in any way and always with a friendly smile. We are very proud to have him represent our Errigal Ciaran which he did to his fullest throughout his entire life’s journey with the club,” Emmett told MyTyrone.
“He has been sorely missed around the club in the last three to four years when he has been ill and thoughts are now with his family at this difficult time.
“The McCann family are rooted in the club. Gerry’s family, including his brothers, nephews and nieces are involved both on and off the field and their contribution to Errigal Ciaran is remarkable.
“Gerry has been taken from us too early and his contribution to our club will always be remembered.”
A statement from Errigal Ciaran released on its social media praised his efforts in the club over five decades.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the McCann Family this morning on the sad passing of our Honorary Club President, Gerry McCann,” the statement read.
“Known to his family as Gerard and to the wider club community as ‘wee Gerry’, he was an iconic figure within our Club for over 50 years.
“Wee Gerry was an ever present and to the forefront on every great day this club has had during his lifetime.
“Gerry was a people person, he could connect with young and old, and his great smile and sharp wit made him great company and gave him an ability to get the best out of people.
“Gerry was known the length and breadth of the county, from Moortown to Urney, he could recall some great days( and some not so good!) when teams headed North, South, East and West.
“He could even get angry when games started to slip away, but when the game was over, he shook hands and made another GAA connection.
"He could walk into any club in the county and get a great welcome - he was ‘wee Gerry from Errigal’.”
Read more: Former Omagh cinema site goes on the market
Read more: Former bank building in Co Tyrone town converted into AirBnB and coffee shop
To get the latest Co Tyrone news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
