Northern Ireland

Young people at funeral of Clare McSorley urged to ‘watch out for each other'

Clare McSorley was a talented GAA player
Clare McSorley was a talented GAA player Clare McSorley was a talented GAA player

A CO Tyrone teenager was "respectful of all" and "respected by all", a priest told mourners at her funeral.

Clare McSorley (18), a GAA player with Drumragh Sarsfields, was buried in Omagh on Saturday following funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church.

She died suddenly on Tuesday.

More than 1,000 people filed inside the church, with many others standing outside to pay their last respects.

A former pupil at Drumragh Integrated College, the Tyrone county footballer was also popular and talented member of her GAA club and both the school and club formed a guard of honour.

Her club jersey was also placed at the altar during the funeral Mass.

Monsignor Joseph Donnelly told mourners that the sudden death had left "everyone in a state of shock and indeed lost for words".

"All of these events contrast so much with the nature and personality of Clare. She was respectful of all and in turn highly respected by all who knew her.

"She blossomed as a skilled player on the GAA field, playing for her club. For all her achievements, she had a care and attention to the younger members.

"To young people in particular I say watch out for each other and if there is problem lend a listening ear."

The teenager's father Tommy McSorley last week appealed to people not to "suffer in silence" following the death of his "wonderful daughter".

"Let someone know how you feel - there are so many ways to communicate with each other these days but yet there are those out there who feel they can't," he said.

The family asked for donations to Aware Northern Ireland, a mental health charity.

Clare McSorley (18) died suddenly on Tuesday
Clare McSorley (18) died suddenly on Tuesday Clare McSorley (18) died suddenly on Tuesday

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan attended the funeral and also called on people to "speak to someone" rather than "suffer in silence".

In a social media post, he wrote: "So many young people were present and many, many tears and heavy hearts were the result of this tragic and difficult loss.

"It so important that we all take on board the plea of the McSorley family in recent days urging anyone out there who may be struggling, feeling down or just not themselves, to speak to someone, talk to friends, family or even a stranger.

"It really is ok to talk and very important we do all we can to support each other in difficult times on life's sometimes unpredictable path."