We were all saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Jody Gormley. A proud Tyrone man who played and achieved at all levels for his county, and he had a close association with the GAA in Down over the past twenty years.
We extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to his wife Deirdre (Winters), his children Áine, James and Niamh, his mother Sheila, brothers Damien (Paula) and Eoin (Mairead) and his sister Anita (Fergal) on the loss of a man taken from us too soon.
Jody began life as a rival of Down GAA. He played with Omagh CBS against Down Schools, and he played for Tyrone against the Red and Black. Yet a move to live in Belfast and a teaching post in Abbey CBS Newry, meant that Jody became an adopted son of Down.
He joined Bredagh as a player and then later managed them to an Intermediate Football Title, having also managed Longstone and later Loughinisland. Jody had also been part of Paddy O Rourke’s Down Management Team in 2005 and 2006 before going on to manage Antrim.
In 2006, he guided Abbey CBS to a first ever Hogan Cup win. Jody through his teaching and coaching careers, made a difference to the lives of many, he brought with him a youthful energy to every role that he filled, and developed a love for Gaelic Games amongst all his charges.
Jody had a wonderful enthusiasm for Gaelic Games, an enthusiasm that he transferred to those whom he coached at all levels, there was an infectious smile with Jody that brought out the best in people. Jody carried the news of his recent diagnosis with courage and dignity.
Again, we extend our sympathy to his family and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
