A funeral mass for wee Joe Hegarty, the six-year-old boy who died in an accident in Ballycastle, will be held on Tuesday.
His death last Friday on a farm outside the north Antrim town has led to an outpouring of support for his parents, Michael and Andrea, stalwarts of Carey Faughs hurling team, and sister Katie.
The funeral will take place from his home on Atlantic Avenue to St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Church or mass at noon. He will be buried in the adjoining cemetery.
Health and safety officials are investigating the circumstances around the accident, including the possible involvement of a quad bike.
His school, St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s, said all connected were “devastated and deeply saddened at the news of the death of a “much loved pupil”.
“Joe was a much loved bundle of joy, a ray of sunshine both in class and around the school with his wonderful sunny personality and charming sense of fun,” the school said.
“He was friends with everyone and everyone knew his name. He will be greatly missed by everyone throughout the school.”
Joe played hurling for Naomh Padraig, the club for young players in the area, but was also known as the number one fan of Carey Faughs, the senior hurling team his father Michael managed for some years.
“Wee Joe Hegarty was a ray of sunshine at all our games, never happier than with his hurl in his hand running onto the pitch,” the club said.
“From cheering on Naomh Padraig hurlers and camogs to lining out with his own team, his noticeable buoyant presence at training, or walking Carey Senior hurlers onto the pitch as chief mascot on match days, our memories of “Wee Joe” will remain as awesome as he was himself.”
Our Family Fun Club Colour Run is Postponed as a mark of respect to the family, friends & classmates of Joe Hegarty.
— McQuillan GA&CC Ballycastle (@McQuillanGAC) August 17, 2024
We're deeply saddened at the news of his untimely passing & offer our sincere condolences to his family, many friends & teammates.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam💙 pic.twitter.com/z1AKUSC7G2
Ulster Unionist MLA Colin Crawford said he “like so many others within North Antrim....was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of young Joe Hegarty from Ballycastle”.
“I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Joe’s parents, Andrea & Michael, and sister Katie, along with the extended Hegarty and McIlroy families on their loss,” Mr Crawford said.
SDLP Glens councillor Margaret Anne McKillop said there is “huge sadness locally at the tragic passing”.
“I can’t begin to imagine what the family are going through but I know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of every person in this area as they come to terms with such a devastating loss,” Ms McKillop said.
“This is a close-knit community and many would have known Joe through the local hurling and GAA clubs where he was a constant fixture. My thoughts are also with all his teammates, coaches and everyone involved with the clubs at this very difficult time.
“I trust that people in Ballycastle will rally around the Hegarty family and support them in any way they can in the difficult days ahead.”
Mourners at Joe’s funeral and wake, which continues on Monday, are being asked to wear their sports tops or colourful clothing instead of black to honour the young boy’s memory.
