RUGBY PLAYER, 23, DIES SUDDENLY JUST HOURS AFTER CELEBRATING HIS BIRTHDAY
A young rugby player has died while celebrating his 23rd birthday.
Adam Hegarty, who played for the City of Armagh Ruby Club's senior second XV team, tragically died on December 6.
He had been celebrating his birthday in Carlingford hours after scoring a try for his team against rivals Dungannon when a complication with his Type 1 Diabetes led to his passing.
At his funeral on Wednesday, the young man, who worked as an electrician, was described as a popular person who 'always pushed himself to be better' in life.
Canon John Kearney, who led Adam's funeral mass, said: 'He was a people person and loved to meet people and talk to them about anything that interested them and no doubt he would tell friends what he had heard,' he told those gathered.
'He was always at ease with people and they were always at ease with him. He had a great sense of humour and no pretensions about him.
'He didn't mind if you were a prince or a pauper, he was always himself. He was the same to everyone because he was secure in his own personality.
'His interest in people leant power to his memory of people and the sayings that they had.
'He knew many people all over the country and always saw the funny side of things.'
Adam's granduncle, Deacon Andrew Hegarty, told mourners: 'Today I think it's very important to remember the moments of joy in Adam's life'.
Following his passing, City of Armagh Rugby Club described Adam as a 'true gentleman'.
It added: 'Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Hegarty family and to all of Adam's friends and teammates at this incredibly difficult time.
'Adam joined our club at youth level and progressed through the youth ranks before moving into our senior teams.
'Adam was highly respected by coaches, teammates and all who knew him - both on and off the field. A true gentleman who represented our club with pride.
'He will be greatly missed by the entire City of Armagh RFC community.'
Read more- How does Adam Hunter's tragic death, following other recent losses, spotlight the devastating impact on the football community’s close-knit circle?
- How did a beloved young rugby player's tragic accident rock a close-knit NSW community, prompting an emotional outpouring of tributes and support?
- What heartfelt tributes poured in for the ‘kindest, sweetest’ teen Aussie Rules player after his sudden passing?
- Heartbroken tributes pour in for Adam Selwood - What life lessons did this footy great impart on the Eagles and his family?
- What heartfelt tributes were shared by Adam Hunter's loved ones during his emotional funeral service in Western Australia?