Northern Ireland

Funeral Mass for balcony fall victim Colin McGarry takes place in Belfast

The coffin of Colin McGarry is carried from Sacred Heart Church on the Oldpark Road, Belfast. Picture Mark Marlow
The coffin of Colin McGarry is carried from Sacred Heart Church on the Oldpark Road, Belfast. Picture Mark Marlow The coffin of Colin McGarry is carried from Sacred Heart Church on the Oldpark Road, Belfast. Picture Mark Marlow

MOURNERS gathered at Sacred Heart Church in Belfast yesterday for the funeral of Colin McGarry who died after falling from a balcony in Spain.

The 48-year-old north Belfast man had been on a short break with friends in Benidorm when the tragedy occurred earlier this month.

A dedicated Liverpool fan, he decided to go on the trip as it coincided with the team's European Cup clash with Spurs.

A Liverpool flag was draped over Mr McGarry's coffin as the cortege made its way along part of the funeral route.

Requiem mass for Mr McGarry was celebrated by Fr Pat Neeson.

Family and friends attend the funeral of Colin McGarry at Sacred Heart Church on the Oldpark Road, Belfast. Picture Mark Marlow
Family and friends attend the funeral of Colin McGarry at Sacred Heart Church on the Oldpark Road, Belfast. Picture Mark Marlow Family and friends attend the funeral of Colin McGarry at Sacred Heart Church on the Oldpark Road, Belfast. Picture Mark Marlow

Mr McGarry was originally from Oldpark Avenue but had been living in the Skegoneill area.

A scaffolder by trade, he was a former boxer with Sacred Heart Boxing Club.

Gail McMillan, Mr McGarry's fiancee said days after the tragedy that her partner had messaged her when Liverpool won. Just hours later, she received the news that he had died.

Mr McGarry is survived by his mother Lyndia and brothers and sisters Kieran, Dennis, Lynette, Aaron and Roslyn. His father Dennis predeceased him.

The funeral cortege leaves the church after requiem mass for Belfast man Colin McGarry. Picture Mark Marlow
The funeral cortege leaves the church after requiem mass for Belfast man Colin McGarry. Picture Mark Marlow The funeral cortege leaves the church after requiem mass for Belfast man Colin McGarry. Picture Mark Marlow
Colin McGarry pictured in Benidorm on Saturday, just hours before he fell from a hotel balcony and died
Colin McGarry pictured in Benidorm on Saturday, just hours before he fell from a hotel balcony and died Colin McGarry pictured in Benidorm on Saturday, just hours before he fell from a hotel balcony and died