Northern Ireland

Armagh GAA man Patrick Grimley, who died following a four-car collision, to be buried in his home village on Wednesday

Father-of-three Patrick Grimley, secretary of Co Armagh GAA club Maddens Raparees, lost his life in a crash outside Markethill early on Saturday
Father-of-three Patrick Grimley, secretary of Co Armagh GAA club Maddens Raparees, lost his life in a crash outside Markethill early on Saturday

Patrick Grimley, father-of-three and well known Armagh GAA figure, will be buried on Wednesday following a funeral service at his local church.

The 40-year-old died following a four-car collision on the Gosford Road not far from his home in Madden.

Five other people injured in the accident, three men and two women, remained in hospital on Monday, one in Craigavon Area, the others in the Royal Victoria.

Mr Grimley’s remains will leave his late residence on Kilcreevy Road to arrive at St Joseph's Church for 11am funeral Mass, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

He is described as the “dearly beloved husband of Ciera and devoted father to Tagdh, Mya and Cadhla. Loving son of Brian and Frances and cherished grandson of the late Pat (Grimley)”.

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

Mrs Grimley’s sister, Sarah McCombe, in a social media post over the weekend, said: "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, a former player with the club, was secretary for the last five years. He was described as a “brilliant family man" and a “driving force” within the club. 

The collision happened at 1.20am on Saturday. Mr Grimley and others were travelling in a minivan taxi back from Dundalk where they had been out celebrating his 40th birthday.

The PSNI, in its most recent statement on Sunday, 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.” 

Joe Kernan remembers Mr Grimley
Joe Kernan remembers Mr Grimley

Former Armagh and Crossmaglen Rangers manager Joe Kernan knew Mr Grimley and described him as a hard worker and “a great club man”.

“Patrick was a gentle giant, a pure gentleman and someone whose company was always enjoyed. The club will miss him massively,” Mr Kernan told the Belfast Telegraph.

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

“He comes from a lovely and well-respected family and is one of those hard-working people that gets on with his job quietly. In GAA clubs we always have people that work hard and say nothing, and Patrick was one of those people.”