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10th December 2024
11:12am GMT
Tributes are pouring in for former Tyrone footballer Jody Gormley following his death at the age of 53.
In an interview six weeks ago with the BBC's GAA Social podcast, the husband and father-of-three revealed that he had been diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.
Jody Gormley died this evening. Life is so unfair. I hope his family can take some comfort, in knowing that he was stunning human being.
— Thomas Niblock (@thomasniblock) December 9, 2024
He was the best of us❤️ pic.twitter.com/yTvuuqrzph
"I have no fear of dying. No fear of dying whatsoever. I've felt blessed my entire life," he told the programme.
"The sadness is the people you're leaving behind.... I'll not get to see my family grow up and mature.
"That's not scary but sad really. That's the reality. When you peel it all back, it's the people close to you that you're not going to have those experiences with. That is the genuine sadness."
Jody had a very successful career both as a player and a coach.
As a midfielder with Tyrone, he won back-to-back Ulster titles in 1995 and 1996, and also played in the 1995 All-Ireland final against Dublin - in which he scored a point.
Jody also had playing or coaching spells with Antrim, Down and London.
In recent years, he managed his native club of Trillick as well - winning several trophies with them.
Paying tribute to Jody, the club said in a statement: "Words cannnot describe the heartache our club is feeling right now. Jody was a true red from a young age, playing from underage to senior level, to then managing our senior team to an historical double in 2023.
"Jody was one of a kind and when he returned to Trillick, he brought an aurora with him like no other.
"Throughout his time with Trillick as a player and more recently as a manager, he has made an impression on everyone - coaches, players and club members of all levels - in a short period of time.
"A lot of people will have learnt a lot from him and how to hold themselves. Jody truly is an inspiration, forever our hero and forever a red!
"Go Raibh Suaimhneas Síoraí Air - Eternal Rest Be Upon Him."
First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill has also paid tribute to Jody, saying in a statement:
"I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jody Gormley.
"Throughout his illness, Jody showed incredible strength, courage, and resilience.
"His empowering words will continue to inspire and help so many others as they navigate their own battles in life.
"My thoughts are with his family and his many friends throughout the GAA. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
