Northern Ireland

Major operation swings into place for Damian Casey wake

Tyrone GAA have postponed all weekend club games as a mark of respect following the death of Eoghan Ruadh and Tyrone hurler Damian Casey
Tyrone GAA have postponed all weekend club games as a mark of respect following the death of Eoghan Ruadh and Tyrone hurler Damian Casey Tyrone GAA have postponed all weekend club games as a mark of respect following the death of Eoghan Ruadh and Tyrone hurler Damian Casey

A MASSIVE community effort has swung into place for the wake of tragic Tyrone hurler Damian Casey.

The 29-year-old died suddenly in the Spanish resort of Alicante last weekend.

The well-known Red Hand hurler had travelled to Spain for a friend's wedding.

His untimely death has sparked an outpouring of grief in his home county and beyond.

His remains were returned to his family home, just outside Dungannon, on Thursday and he will be waked there until his funeral tomorrow.

The local community and several GAA clubs in Dungannon have pulled together to play their part during Mr Casey's wake.

The town's four GAA clubs, including Mr Casey's hurling club, Eoghan Ruadh, Thomas Clarke GFC, ladies football club Aodh Ruadh and local camogie club Naomh Treasa, are all involved in a combined effort.

Around 100 volunteer stewards are on the ground and working in shifts to help with the wake arrangements.

Stewards are in contact with each other via a network of radios.

Those attending are being asked to park at the Donaghmore Road grounds of Eoghan Ruadh Hurling Club and from there they are being taken to and from Mr Casey's family home at Eskragh Road by mini-bus.

It is understood the vehicles have been donated by local businesses and community groups. Tea and coffee facilities have been made available for wake-goers at the local hurling club.

Aodhán McHugh, Mr Casey's lifelong friend, neighbour and teammate, praised the collective response to the tragedy.

"There has been a great response from both the local and the neighbouring communities to help with Damian's wake," he said.

"His family, friends, neighbours and the local GAA are all involved.

"The four Dungannon clubs - Eoghan Ruadh, Naomh Treasa, Thomas Clarke's and Aodh Ruadh have been amazing."

Tributes were paid to Mr Dempsey at Thursday's meeting of Mid Ulster District Council by local representatives including independent councillor Barry Monteith and Sinn Féin chair Cora Corry.

Requiem Mass will be held for Mr Casey at St Patrick’s Church in Dungannon at 2pm tomorrow.

Burial will take place afterwards at Carland Road Cemetery.

Local GAA clubs are expected to form a guard of honour during the funeral procession.