Carey parish mourns loss of wee Joe after tragic farm accident

THE close knit parish of Carey and the wider Ballycastle community have been left devastated after little Joe Hegarty tragically died as a result of a farm accident on Friday August 16th.

Joe is the much loved and adored son of Andrea and Michael, loving brother of Katie, cherished grandson of Denise and Eamon McIlroy and Mary and Seamus Hegarty.

Although there are no funeral arrangements as yet, Joe's family have asked that as he loved Carey and the GAA, colour and all sport, that callers at his wake and mourners at his funeral wear colourful clothing or sports tops in Joe's memory.

A statement on behalf of Carey Faughs read: “All at Carey Faughs are heartbroken at the devastating news of Joe Hegarty's passing.

“The community wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Michael, Andrea & Katie along with the Hegarty and McIlroy families on their loss. Joe loved Carey Faughs and we all loved Joe.

“It wouldn't have been a Carey match if Joe wasn't there, cheering the boys on, home or away.

“He knew every player and their positions for every match. Half time and he would be on the pitch taking his points with great ease. He just loved to be at the hurling field.

“Joe was a character and his light shone very brightly, he made friends wherever he went.

“It wouldn't be often that you would see Joe in anything else but his Carey gear.

Like his mum and dad, Joe led from the front. Michael and Andrea are great ambassadors of Carey Faughs and work hard at promoting under age Gaels of the club with Faughs Óg, alongside Joe's Aunt Lauren.

“Some of our current players played alongside and were coached by Michael over the years and he helped coach the team last year, alongside Joe's uncle Patrick (and Joe too).

“We are a community sharing in their heartbreak and hope that we can give them enough love and support to help them through their unimaginable loss.

I think it's safe to say that Joe was Carey's No.1 fan.”

Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland also sympathised with the Hegarty and McIlroy families, saying: “My son plays in the same hurling team as wee Joe Hegarty and everyone in our Carey Parish and the wider area are devastated.

“Our hearts are sore thinking of the Hegarty family and all those close to Joe. Joe’s mum and dad give so much to our children through their coaching, and we’re heartbroken this has happened to one of theirs.

“I know our parish, our Naomh Padraig and Carey Faughs GAA community, that Joe was such a wonderful part of, will do everything in their power to surround the family with care and love.

“My love goes to Michael, Andrea and Katie as they navigate the days and weeks ahead.”

A notice on PJ Dallat & Sons stated: “Funeral arrangements will be updated when they become available. House Strictly Private today, Saturday 17th August, wake will commence from his late residence on Sunday 18th & Monday 19th August 2pm-9pm.

Deeply regretted by his loving father, mother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, the entire family circle and the wider community.”