Mourners at the wake and funeral of a young Ballycastle boy who died suddenly in an accident are being asked to wear their sports gear or colourful clothing to honour his memory.
Six-year-old Joe Hegarty died yesterday afternoon following an incident which is understood to have occurred at a farm outside Ballycastle.
The avid hurler, a member of Carey Faughs club, was described today as the club’s number one fan.
His family, through funeral directors PJ Dallat & Sons, said: “Joe loved Carey and the GAA, he loved colour and all sport. Instead of wearing black, and in honouring Joe’s memory, the family invite you to wear your favourite sports top or colourful clothing to Joe’s wake and funeral.”
The little boy’s father, Michael, was one of the senior coaches and his mother, Andrea, plays key roles at Carey Faughs and the club paid tribute to Joe, describing club members as “heartbroken at the devastating news of Joe Hegarty’s passing”.
“Joe loved Carey Faughs and we all loved Joe,” secretary Máirín McVeigh said on behalf of all members of the club.
“It wouldn’t have been a Carey match if Joe wasn’t there, cheering the boys on, home or away. He knew every player and their positions for every match.
“Half time and he would be on the pitch taking his points with great ease. He just loved to be at the hurling field.”
The club added: “Joe was a character and his light shone very brightly, he made friends wherever he went. It wouldn’t be often that you would see Joe in anything else but his Carey gear.
“Like his mum and dad, Joe led from the front. Michael and Andrea are great ambassadors of our club and work hard at promoting under age Gaels of the club with Faughs Óg.
“Some of our current players played alongside and were coached by Michael over the years and he helped coach the team last year, alongside Joe’s uncle Patrick (and Joe too).
“We are a community sharing in their heartbreak and hope that we can give them enough love and support to help them through their unimaginable loss.
“I think it’s safe to say that Joe was Carey’s No1 fan.”
North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland, whose son was in the same hurling team as little Joe, said “everyone in our Carey parish and the wider area are devastated”.
“Our hearts are sore thinking of the Hegarty family and all those close to Joe. Joe’s mum and dad give so much to our children through their coaching, and we’re heartbroken this has happened to one of theirs,” Ms Mulholland said.
“I know our parish, our Naomh Padraig and Carey Faughs GAA community, that Joe was such a wonderful part of, will do everything in their power to surround the family with care and love.
“My love goes to Michael, Andrea and Katie as they navigate the days and weeks ahead.”
In a statement, the PSNI said: “Police received a report of a sudden death which occurred at the Ballynagard Road area of Ballycastle on Friday 16th August.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time and the Health and Safety Executive have been informed.”
Joe was the “much loved and adored son of Andrea and Michael, loving brother of Katie, cherished grandson of Denise and Eamon (McIlroy), Mary and Seamus (Hegarty)”.
His wake will be at his late home on Atlantic Avenue in Ballycastle on Sunday and Monday from 2pm-9pm, with funeral arrangements to follow.
