The family of gifted Co Tyrone hurler Damian Casey have thanked the local community for its support ahead of the first anniversary of his tragic death.
The 29-year-old died last June while attending a friend’s wedding in Spain, just weeks after leading Tyrone to success in the Nicky Rackard Cup in Croke Park.
The Eoghan Ruadh, Dungannon clubman was widely recognised as one of the most gifted hurlers that the county had ever produced.
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A first anniversary mass for Damian will take place on Friday 16 June in Dungannon.
In a statement released ahead of the mass, the Casey family said they were grateful for the support they have received over the last year.
“The family of the late Damian Casey R.I.P. would like to sincerely thank all those people who have supported them during this very difficult year and continue to do so,” the notice said.
“We extend our extreme gratitude to all those who helped in Damian’s swift repatriation from Spain. Collectively and individually, to all those who organised, contributed to, and attended, both physically and remotely, the vigil, wake, Funeral and Month’s Mind masses including local businesses and GAA clubs, we are truly grateful.
“To the many people, from all communities, who called at the family home, sympathised with the family, sent Mass cards, Sympathy cards, provided refreshments, and to all who sent donations and organised fundraisers for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, we thank you.
“To the support of the GAA across the island of Ireland and further afield, especially Damian’s own club Eoghan Ruadh, his Tyrone County team mates and all the other local clubs who were heavily involved and those clubs who visited from neighbouring parishes and counties, please accept our appreciation.”
The family also gave thanks to Dean Kevin Donaghy for his support and guidance, as well as funeral directors Grupo ASV Servicios Funerarios and PJ Quinn & Son for their support.
Damian’s anniversary mass will take place in St. Patrick’s Church Dungannon on Friday, June 16 at 7.30pm.
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