Silverbridge GAA will form a guard of honour as the body of one of their senior players is returned to his home tonight (Tuesday).
Twenty-six-year-old Brian ‘Bob’ Hearty was tragically killed in a road accident in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The collision happened on the road between Dundalk and Castleblaney, close to the junction for Fintan Callan’s restaurant and bar.
The vehicle struck a wall, shortly before 12.30am, and the south Armagh man died at the scene. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Mr Hearty had taken part in an annual charity lorry run in Crossmaglen on the Saturday – the day of his 26th birthday.
The club confirmed this evening that they will be holding a guard of honour at Ford’s Cross as ‘Bob’s’ remains pass his home club on his journey home to Drumill Road.
Removal of remains at 6.15pm from McConville’s Funeral home. You are asked to park in the chapel car park and walk the short distance.
— Silverbridge GAA (@SilverbridgeGAA) October 31, 2017
Car parking will be made available at the club grounds, with courtesy buses provided this evening, to and from the wake, and on Wednesday evening from 5pm.
The talented footballer’s funeral will take place on on Thursday, November 2, leaving at 10.15am to St Patrick’s Church, Crossmaglen arriving for 11am for Requiem Mass.
Mr Hearty was the beloved son of Gerard and Carmel; devoted brother of Aidan, Geraldine and Conal.
Club secretary Jarlath Burns, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, paid tribute to a talented player and even better person.
“GAA is at the centre of this community and Brian was very much part of our club,” he said.
“The Hearty family is highly respected within the club. It is a tradition that they sponsor the 14s. You would see them at all the games.”
He said the 26-year-old had a talent of “just making things happen” on the pitch.
“Not every player has that ability, he went out on his birthday to do a good deed and then this happens.”
