Jody Gormley has passed away just a few short weeks after revealing to the public that he was battling with terminal cancer.
The former Tyrone star managed his club Trillick to the county glory last season, and guided them all the way to the final again this year.
Unfortunately for Gormley, his side lost narrowly by a single point against Errigal Ciaran, who would go on to win the Ulster club championship.
After the game, the school teacher sat his players down and told them all the news, and then did several interviews that will live forever as a guide on perspective, courage, and honesty.
Gormley touched so many lives during his time on earth, and naturally the tributes started to flood in as the news of his untimely death was announced last night.
Above everything else he was a Trillick clubman to the absolute core, and even said that he would like to remembered as "a decent person, who helped people out as much as he could, tried to find areas to help people improve their life, and give them a wee nudge in the right direction - and as a Trillick man of course."
“And obviously a Trillick man” - Jody Gormley
Go Raibh Suaimhneas Síoraí Air - Eternal Rest Be Upon Him pic.twitter.com/phH6700DhQ
— Trillick GAC (@TrillickGAC) December 9, 2024
Gormley's interview with Thomas Niblock on the GAA Social podcast will have touched so many people, even those who never knew him.
Jody Gormley died this evening. Life is so unfair. I hope his family can take some comfort, in knowing that he was stunning human being.
He was the best of us❤️ pic.twitter.com/yTvuuqrzph
— Thomas Niblock (@thomasniblock) December 9, 2024
A former county star himself, Tyrone GAA posted their own tribute to the great man.
"I'd just like to be remembered as a decent person... and obviously, a Trillick man"
The loss of Jody Gormley is something that goes far beyond his own greatly-loved ones, being harshly felt across Trillick, Tyrone, Ulster, Ireland, and beyond, and throughout those vital worlds… pic.twitter.com/VDxir4Os5j
— Tyrone GAA (@TyroneGAALive) December 10, 2024
Even the world of politics was infiltrated by Gormley's inspiring take on life, as Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill offered her condolences.
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jody Gormley.
Throughout his illness, Jody showed incredible strength, courage, and resilience.
His empowering words will continue to inspire and help so many others as they navigate their own battles in life.
My thoughts are with… pic.twitter.com/IcpY5mKiIq
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) December 9, 2024
Gerry Adams also commiserated the former Antrim manager.
Go ndeanfaidh Dia trocaire air a n’anam dilse. Tá muid buioch do Jody Gormley. https://t.co/IiswLTsynR
— Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) December 9, 2024
Of course, the players who were lucky to be coached by him want to pass on what he has passed on to them.
Our warrior has passed, but he’ll live forever around here ❤️ words won’t do him justice and he has changed the lives of so many. We love you Jody, a Trillick man. https://t.co/xK6kHoattV
— Richard Donnelly (@SlickRick_8) December 9, 2024
Not just a GAA man, Gormley was an educator at Abbey Grammar School, and will be sorely missed in the classroom.
Mr Jody Gormley RIP pic.twitter.com/yDjd8ics4O
— Abbey Grammar School (@Abbey_CBS) December 9, 2024
The list of tributes is endless, and that is testament to the great impact that Jody Gormley had on everyone.
