The family of a young woman who died suddenly in Co Tyrone have asked for mourners attending her funeral to wear football jerseys belonging to the three beloved teams she supported.
Family and friends of Emma Lynch (34) will gather in Aghyaran on Friday to say their final farewells following her death last Sunday.
Tributes have described Ms Lynch, who was from Killeter, as the “loveliest girl that touched the lives of so many” and someone who had a “smile for everyone”.
She was a former ladies footballer and a dedicated member of St Davog’s GAC in Aghyaran, where she is remembered as someone who “loved all things football”.
In a post on Facebook, the club said they were “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our esteemed past player - Emma Lynch”.
The Aghyaran Committee and Club are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our esteemed past player - Emma Lynch. Emma...
Posted by Aghyaran St Davogs GAA Club on Wednesday, 20 March 2024
“Emma played for many years, representing the club at various age groups from u12 right up to our senior ladies team,” the post said.
“Emma always wore the Aghyaran jersey with great pride and loved all things football.
“Emma and her family are a big part of our club and community and we will support them in any way we can through the difficult journey ahead.”
The club added: “Emma’s family have requested that anyone attending her funeral on Friday wear a jersey from one of her beloved Aghyaran, Tyrone or Manchester Utd”.
Sinn Féin councillor Caroline Devine, who knew Ms Lynch, said her death had left the community stunned.
“I knew Emma well, she was always full of life and fun and well known to so many,” she said.
“She had a big friend network, she had a lot connections and a real love of sport, she really loved her football.
“Everyone is shocked by what has happened, her death has has a big impact in the community.”
Numerous tributes have also been posted online to Ms Lynch with many describing her love for her football club.
One post said she was a “true Aghyaran woman who always took such pride in wearing the jersey”, while another added: “Emma most definitely was always the proudest Aghyaran lady, who I was fortunate to play along side for many of years. We had some really great days on the pitch and celebrating together after”.
Another post said her death had “left a big gap in all your friends and family lives”, with another adding that it was “such a sad time for our wee community”.
Requiem Mass for Ms Lynch will be celebrated at St Patrick’s Church, Aghyaran, on Friday at noon followed by interment in the adjoining churchyard.
