Markethill crash: Patrick Grimley dies on way home from 40th birthday party

Patrick Grimley was a married father of three from Madden and was heavily involved in the Gaelic Athletic Association

A man who died in a four-vehicle crash in Markethill, County Armagh, was returning home from his 40th birthday party when the collision happened.

He was Patrick Grimley, a married father-of-three from the nearby village of Madden in County Armagh.

Nine other people were taken to hospital after the crash on the Gosford Road at about 01:20 GMT on Saturday.

Mr Grimley was the secretary of Madden Raparees GAA club, which described his sudden death as a "huge loss".

Nine emergency ambulance crews were deployed to the scene of the crash and the injured were taken to Craigavon Area Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Mr Grimley, a former GAA player, had served as secretary of Madden Raparees for the past five years and before that he was the club's public relations officer.

Its chairman Paddy Woods told BBC News NI he had lost a friend.

'Brilliant family man'

He described Patrick Grimley as an extremely dedicated GAA official and a "solid volunteer" for the club.

"His level of professionalism was second to none," Mr Woods said.

He added that Mr Grimley had been constantly trying to drive up standards in order to make Madden Raparees "the best version of our club that we could be".

A statement on the club's Facebook page paid tribute to Mr Grimley as "a brilliant family man".

"His love for our club was also well known and he will be terribly missed by all those who knew him, not just in Madden but further afield also."

The statement added: "Our thoughts are also with all those injured in last night's accident, and we ask you to keep them all in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days."

The Gosford Road has now reopened

Mr Woods said the Grimley family were "steeped in GAA" and his loss would be felt throughout the Madden area.

Mr Grimley's brother Niall plays senior football for Armagh.

Armagh GAA paid tribute to Patrick Grimley, describing him as an "esteemed TV commentator".

"The wider GAA community is deeply shocked and saddened following the tragic and sudden death of Paddy," said Armagh GAA's chairman Paul McArdle.

"This is absolutely devastating news for any family and I extend my sincere condolences to the Grimley family and the people of Madden, who I know are completely numbed by this tragedy.

"Paddy was true gael who worked tirelessly as Madden club secretary and an esteemed commentator on Armagh TV.

"We will continue to keep the family and those who were injured in our prayers during this difficult time."

The Gosford Road was closed for several hours after the collision but has since reopened.

The police asked anyone with information or video footage to contact them.