A GAA club in Tyrone is in mourning following the sudden passing of a former All-Ireland winner and one of its most dedicated members.

Beragh Red Knights has paid a heartfelt tribute to father-of-three Barry Conroy, who served a variety of roles in the club and was well-known and respected through his role as principal of the local St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School.

"It is with profound sadness that everyone at Beragh Red Knights GAA learned of the untimely passing of our dear friend and club stalwart, Barry Conroy,” the club said.

"Barry devoted so much of his life to our club and community. As a former player, Club Secretary for 13 years, and current manager of our U16 Ladies team, he gave very generously of his time, energy and commitment, always placing others before himself.

“His skills on the football fields of his beloved Tyrone saw Barry win an All-Ireland Vocational Schools medal with St Ciaran’s College, Ballygawley, in 1993, and in 2000 he was a member of the Red Knights’ Championship and League double-winning team. His exemplary administrative skills were recognised by Tyrone GAA when he was recruited to become a member of the Youth Committee in 2007 and the Competitions Control Committee in 2008. He also participated in the Thír Eoghain Cumann na mBunscol Committee for many years.

"His contribution to Beragh Red Knights and Tyrone GAA has been immense, and his loss will be felt deeply throughout every corner of our club and far beyond.

"Beyond the GAA, Barry was a highly respected school principal at St Oliver Plunkett’s, Beragh. His dedication to young people, education, staff and community life touched countless families across our parish.”

The tribute added: "Most importantly, Barry was a devoted husband to Fiona (née McCann) and a loving father to Aoibhe, Tomás and Cliodhna, all of whom are valued members of our club family.

"Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with Fiona, the children, Barry’s mother and father, John and Christina, brother Justin (Donna), sister Julie (Francis), his nieces and nephews, the wider Conroy and McCann families, friends, work colleagues, and all who had the great privilege of knowing him.

"Barry embodied the values of service, kindness, faith, friendship, leadership and community spirit. His presence enriched our club and our parish, and his legacy will live on for many years through the countless lives he influenced and through the generations of young people he encouraged, supported and inspired.”

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