Northern Ireland

Funeral for Co Tyrone Gaelic footballer player who was killed in accident in Banbridge

A funeral service for Joshua Griggs (19) will take place in Newmills in Co Tyrone today (FRI)
A funeral service for Joshua Griggs (19) will take place in Newmills in Co Tyrone today (FRI) A funeral service for Joshua Griggs (19) will take place in Newmills in Co Tyrone today (FRI)

MOURNERS will gather in Co Tyrone today for the funeral of a young gaelic footballer player who died as a result of an accident.

Joshua Griggs, who was 19 and from Newmills, died on Tuesday afternoon.

It was reported the teenager was cleaning gutters at Foxleigh Fields housing estate in Banbridge, Co Down, when a lorry reversed into scaffolding, causing him to fall.

The up-and-coming footballer, who was a former pupil at Cookstown High School, was a member of Brackaville Owen Roes GFC.

He was recently named the club's 2020 reserve player of the year.

In a tribute, Brackaville Owen Roes described Joshua as "simply just a great lad, both on and off the field" adding that he would be remembered as a "courteous and appreciative young man, grateful of life and the opportunities given to him.

"He excelled at youth level, in the Tyrone GAA Academy and last year was a stand-out performer in the senior championship, after late call up as starter. As a coach and mentor to our U15 team, Josh was a prime example of what any young player should aspire to be... we could not have been any prouder of him."

Family and friends of the young man will gather in Newmills today to remember the 19-year-old.

A funeral service will take place at Brackaville Gaelic Football Club, while interment will follow afterwards in Tullanisken parish churchyard.

Joshua Griggs is survived by his parents, Andy and Royanne and brother, Nick.