In October 2022, our club was rocked to our foundations by the incomprehensible and shocking death of our senior footballer, John Rafferty. The loss of John continues to leave an unfillable hole in our lives, none more so than that of Felix, Roisin, Clare and Michael Rafferty.
John was special, very special – not just to his family, but also to everyone in our club. The pure honesty of his performances on the field were the personification of his noble attributes as a human-being. His maturity, strength of character and leadership defied his young age.
D’imigh tú i mbláth na hóige, ar Sholas na bhFlaitheas go raibh d’anam – You departed in the bloom of youth, may your soul be granted the Light of Heaven.
Despite the continuing sadness and pain, this Saturday, 4th May – John’s Day – we will celebrate John’s life and the gift that it was. John was a star youth player for us, so from 10:00am to 12:00pm there will be collective youth coaching at Ballinamullan. All our youth players are welcome to attend.
In the aftermath of John’s passing, the Rafferty family and our club were given incredible support from the GAA community throughout Tyrone, and beyond. In our Association, we are fierce opposing competitors on the field – tight brothers and sisters off it. Fittingly then, we open out the invite to John’s Day to other clubs in Tyrone for a 7-a-side tournament beginning at 2:00pm at Ballinamullan.
Confirmed clubs joining us will be An Charraig Mhór, Drumragh, Eglish, Gortin, Loughmacrory, Naomh Eoghan, Omagh, Owen Roes, Rock, Pomeroy. Sevens Tournaments are a wonderfully unique sight and the pace of the game will be hugely enjoyed by spectators, so please come along.
We will complete events with a Night of Music & Dance in The Village Inn (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE) from 8:00pm with performances from talented club musicians such as Andrew Dolan, PJ Cunningham and Cara McGillion.
We hope everyone comes along and enjoys the day. A celebration of one of our own – one of our best.
