A loyal order was among the many to pay tribute to Cormac McAnallen following his death in 2004, sending his devastated family a letter of condolence.
Details of the gesture by the Royal Black Institution are contained in a new book by the All-Ireland winner’s brother Dónal.
The author reveals that messages of sympathy came from a diverse range of people, from then British Secretary of State Paul Murphy, who wrote a letter, to former Republican Sinn Féin president Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, who sent a telegram.
“The most astounding of all was a letter from the Imperial Grand Black Chapter of the British Commonwealth,” Mr McAnallen writes.
“That’s the full name of the Royal Black Preceptory, the elite society of Orangemen.
“Catholics in general have a negative perception of the preceptory, and no-one would have expected it to send us a letter.
“Yet it did, and with real meaning.”
The letter read: “This land would be a much happier and contented place if only other young people could aspire to and emulate the high standards which Cormac had set.
“I pray that his exceptional example may be followed.
“I would respectfully ask you to accept the condolences of the membership of the Royal Black Institution and in particular the sincere sympathy of those members who live in Co Tyrone.
“They, together with everyone else in the wider community, are deeply saddened by the sudden bereavement you have suffered.”
The letter was signed by then Sovereign Grand Master WJ Logan.
In the book Mr McAnallen reveals that the heartfelt letter changed his perceptions.
“Wow! That really took us aback,” he said.
“It is truly symbolic of changing attitudes in Ulster.
“It was backed up by countless handshakes from besuited, homespun Protestant neighbours, letters and cards from unionist citizens we didn’t even know, and a kindly soundbite from Presbyterian moderator - Rev Ken Newell - on TV news.
“From those days to this, I never looked at the orange-green divide quite the same again.”
