Northern Ireland

Wife of Co Armagh GAA club secretary Patrick Grimley, who died in crash, remains 'critically ill'

Paddy Grimley will be a "huge loss" to Madden and Armagh GAA, officials say
Paddy Grimley will be a "huge loss" to Madden and Armagh GAA, officials say

Five people remained in hospital on Sunday evening following a four-vehicle collision that killed the hugely popular secretary of a Co Armagh GAA club.

Patrick Grimley, a 40-year-old father of three and brother of Armagh senior footballer Niall, died following the accident on the Gosford Road near Markethill in the early hours of Saturday.

Mr Grimley's wife, Ciera Grimley, is "critically ill" in ICU. Her sister SJS McCombe posted on social media: "Please can we keep my sister Ciera Grimley in your thoughts and prayers tonight...she is still critically ill in ICU and we pray she pulls through and keeps fighting. A long road ahead." 

Mr Grimley, his wife and friends were returning in a taxi minivan from a night out in Dundalk to celebrate his 40th birthday, which happened earlier last week. 

Gaels across Co Armagh joined in adding their condolences to the family of Mr Grimley, the secretary of Madden Raparees but also known widely as a commentator on Armagh TV.

Mr Grimley's remains will leave his late residence on the Kilcreevy Road on Wednesday for 11am requiem mass at St Joseph's Church in Madden. Burial will take place in the adjoining cemetery. 

He was remembered as a “brilliant family man” and a driving force within the club by Paddy Woods, Madden’s chairman.

Mr Grimley celebrated his 40th birthday last week
Mr Grimley celebrated his 40th birthday last week

Nine other people were taken to hospital following the 1.20am collision, four to Craigavon Area and five to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Three brought to Craigavon were discharged while one remained in hospital on Sunday evening. The Belfast Trust would not give any information on those transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

 In an updated statement on Sunday, the PSNI said: “The collision, involving four vehicles, occurred on the Gosford Road at approximately 1.20am on Saturday morning. 

“Three men and two women remain in hospital at this time receiving treatment following the collision.

“Officers from the Collision Investigation Unit are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision.” 

Nine emergency ambulance crews attended, along with an advanced paramedic, five ambulance officers and a doctor.

A former player with the club, Mr Grimley had served as secretary of Madden Raparees for the past five years and before was the club's public relations officer.

The father-of-three was secretary of Madden Raparees
The father-of-three was secretary of Madden Raparees

His notice states he died as a result of a tragic road traffic accident and was the “dearly beloved husband of Ciera and devoted father to Tagdh, Mya and Cadhla. Loving son of Brian and Frances”. Funeral arrangements will be made later.

Chairman Paddy Woods, on behalf of the club, said in a statement it was with a “heavy heart that we inform you of the tragic and sudden passing” of Patrick.

“Patrick was a brilliant family man, and along with his Ciera, could always be seen supporting his children at their various hobbies and activities,” Mr Woods said.

“His love for our club is also well known and he will be terribly missed by all those knew him, not just in Madden but further afield too.” 

Messages of condolence were delivered from clubs across Armagh.

“Patrick has been a major driving force in our club over his last five years as secretary,” said Mr Woods.

He was dedicated and committed to making the club the best it could be, the chairman added.

“Our thoughts are also with all those injured in last night’s accident, and we ask you to keep them all in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.” 

Mr Grimley was described as being “steeped in GAA” in Madden. His brother Niall is a key member of the senior Armagh panel.

"The wider GAA community is deeply shocked and saddened following the tragic and sudden death of Paddy," said Armagh GAA's chair Paul McArdle.

"This is absolutely devastating news for any family and I extend my sincere condolences to the Grimley family and the people of Madden, who I know are completely numbed by this tragedy.

"Paddy was a true Gael who worked tirelessly as Madden club secretary and an esteemed commentator on Armagh TV.

"We will continue to keep the family and those who were injured in our prayers during this difficult time."