By Alan Rodgers

YOUNG and old from around Trillick stood in silence this week as they queued to sign a special book of condolence which has been opened for one of their finest GAA sons.

The death of Jody Gormley on Monday evening has shocked and saddened the local community. He had lived in Belfast for many years, but for those involved in the St Macartan’s club, the 53 year-old will always be remembered as a true ‘Red.’

Today (Thursday), the whole area will come to a standstill when Jody is laid to rest again in his native soil. His legacy to the club and the area will be clear among the many gaelic footballers who will in the future work to emulate what Mr Gormley achieved as both a player and manager.

Club chairman, Ciaran McElholm, was the first to sign the book of condolence on Tuesday afternoon. He says Jody’s legacy will be remembered.

“This is a tremendously sad situation for us to be in. Jody was someone who was young, fit and well. For him to pass away so suddenly after getting his diagnosis in the autumn is unbelievable and very, very hard to accept,” he said.

“Jody has been a member of our club since he was a child, he was steeped in the Red jersey, played underage and senior for the club. He made a massive contribution on the pitch and then to come back in recent years to win two league titles and an O’Neill Cup success was just so amazing.

“He was already steeped in the history of this club. There are only a handful of managers who have won the league and championship double, and Jody is up there with the very best. Unfortunately, he cannot continue his legacy.”

Members of the club have travelled en-masse to Mr Gormley’s wake in Belfast and there were emotional scenes when his remains were returned to the village for burial today (Thursday).

“We will pay our respects to him in recognition of his accomplishments as a player, a manager and as a member of our club and community,” Mr McElholm added.

“Locally, there has been a book of condolence opened for those who may not be able to attend the wake in Belfast and for all others. People have shared stories, talked about Jody and wrote their messages in the Book of Condolence.”