Gormley's club Trillick 'devastated' by his death

Jody Gormley's club Trillick St Macartan's have said they are "devastated" following the death of the former Tyrone player.

The 53-year-old died on Monday evening three months after being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.

The Trillick man, whose managerial career included taking charge of Antrim, returned to his native club to guide them to last year's Tyrone Senior Football title.

His Trillick side also reached this season's county final and he informed his players of his cancer diagnosis immediately following their narrow defeat by Errigal Ciaran in the decider.

"Jody was one of a kind and when returned to Trillick brought an aurora with him like no other," said a statement on Trillick's Facebook page.

"Words cannot describe the heartache our club is feeling right now. Jody was a true red from a young age, playing from underage to senior level. To then managing our senior team to an historical double in 2023."

Jody Gormley died on Monday evening three months after being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer

The Trillick statement added that Gormley "made an impression on everyone" during his time as a player and manager at the club.

"Our most sincere and heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Jody's family, his wife Deirdre, daughters Áine and Niamh and son James."

Trillick also expressed condolences to the former Tyrone player's mother Sheila, sister Anita and brothers Damian and Eoin.

Gormley's late father Eugene was a player and long-serving officer for the club.

Feargal Logan, who was Gormley's midfield partner in many Tyrone games including the 1995 All-Ireland final loss to Dublin, said he was "always blessed with serious positivity".

"It's very sad but he faced up to it very positively. As he said, the pity is for everyone left behind in his family circle," said Logan.

'For life to be taken in that manner is cruel'

In his tribute, former Tyrone team-mate Peter Canavan said he saw Gormley as a future Tyrone manager.

"He was a passionate Trillick man and he loved his county," said Canavan.

"I think it was his ambition to get involved at some stage and the way he was going in the manner which he was managing teams, I think he would have gotten the chance to manage Tyrone at some stage."

Canavan added: "It's news that we were expecting, but still when you hear about it, there's a rawness to it and there's something not right to it. Jody's a young man, young family and a lot going for him.

"For life to be taken away in that manner is cruel but he has left a lot behind him."

Ulster University Gaelic Academy also paid tribute to Gormley describing him as a "true legend of Ulster University GAA" after excelling on the field during his time at Jordanstown which also included him becoming president of the student union.

"Although Jody's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us all," added the Ulster University GAA statement, as it extended condolences to his family.

Gormley spoke on GAA Social

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she was deeply saddened to hear of the former Tyrone midfielder's death.

"Throughout his illness, Jody showed incredible strength, courage, and resilience," Ms O'Neill wrote on X.

"His empowering words will continue to inspire and help so many others as they navigate their own battles in life."

Crossmaglen Rangers GAC, who faced Trillick in last year's Ulster Club championship, offered their condolences on social media.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gormley family, fellow Gaels in Trillick GAA and Tyrone GAA and colleagues and students at Abbey CBS," said the Crossmaglen statement.

GAA Social podcast host and BBC Sport NI presenter Thomas Niblock also paid tribute to the Trillick man following his death.

"I hope his family can take some comfort, in knowing that he was a stunning human being. He was the best of us," the BBC presenter posted on X.

Gormley spoke movingly about his cancer diagnosis on the GAA Social last month.