Northern Ireland

Armagh flag left at scene of crash that killed brother of All Ireland winner Niall Grimley

Patrick Grimley, his wife Ciera and their friend Ciara McElvanna lost their lives in a crash in Co Armagh last year

An Armagh flag and fresh floral tributes left at the scene of the crash that killed Niall Grimley's brother Patrick and his wife Ciera, as well as their friend Ciara McElvanna
An Armagh flag and fresh floral tributes left at the scene of the crash that killed Niall Grimley's brother Patrick and his wife Ciera, as well as their friend Ciara McElvanna

An Armagh flag and floral tributes have been left at the scene of the crash that killed the brother of All Ireland winner Niall Grimley.

A wooden cross bearing the names of Patrick Grimley, his wife Ciera and their friend Ciara McElvanna has been erected near Markethill close to where they lost their lives in a four-vehicle collision last year.

And following Armagh’s All Ireland win on Sunday, the county flag was placed at the scene, along with flowers, also in the Orchard county colours.

The tributes appeared following Armagh's All Ireland win on Sunday
The tributes appeared following Armagh's All Ireland win on Sunday

Patrick Grimley, who was secretary of Madden Raparees GAA club, died in the crash on Gosford Road in the early hours of November 4, 2023.

His wife Ciera passed away in hospital a week later, leaving behind their three children — Tadhg, Mya and Cadhla.

Ciera Grimley and her husband Patrick
Ciera Grimley and her husband Patrick

Their friend Ciara McElvanna, wife of Armagh 2002 All-Ireland winner Kevin, also died in the tragedy.

The 44-year-old nurse was a mother-of-four.



They had been travelling home to Madden in Co Armagh in a taxi from Dundalk where they had been celebrating Mr Grimley’s 40th birthday, when the collision took place.

 Ciara and Kevin McElvanna
Ciara and Kevin McElvanna

Following Armagh’s win over Galway at Croke Park on Sunday, Niall Grimley (30) dedicated the victory to his family.

“They would have loved that yesterday and obviously Kevin’s wife Ciara, she was an incredible woman too,” he says.

“Obviously, I’m lucky we have an amazing family. We have a huge family, the Grimley’s in Madden… There’s a lot of them.

Armagh celebrate   during Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC Final at Croke Park in Dublin. 
PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney and Niall Grimley during Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC Final at Croke Park in Dublin. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN

“So there’s enough of us to support each other and obviously, Patrick’s three kids. As I said yesterday, it wasn’t really about the medal or the cup or playing in the big matches for me.

“It was sort of just whatever I can do to put a smile on them kids’ faces because they haven’t had much to smile about.

Patrick and Ciera Grimley with their children Tadhg, Mya and Cadhla
Patrick and Ciera Grimley with their children Tadhg, Mya and Cadhla

“And it puts things into perspective. There’s more important things in life than football. I miss him, I miss Patrick and Ciera so much.”

Niall said when the final whistle went on Sunday, his first thoughts were “I wish my brother was here to see that because he would have enjoyed it”.

“He was a huge, huge GAA man. He loved Madden, he loved Armagh but look, he lives on, he’s a legend in our house,” he added.

“He’s talked about a lot and you just have to get yourself right. I’m doing it for him, I’m doing it for his kids, I’m doing it for his family.

Armagh Beat Kerry to reach the All Ireland Final at Croke Park.
PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Armagh’s Niall Grimley. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN

“I’m doing it for my family, because my family hasn’t had much to smile about and my mum has been going through a lot the past eight and-a-half months.

“She’s the leader of the pack and just to see her smile yesterday after the match makes it all worth it.”