A Co Armagh community is in mourning following the heartbreaking passing of a young schoolboy and underage GAA player on Monday morning after a long and brave battle with illness.
Padraig Rafferty, a much-loved pupil at St Joseph and St James’s Primary School in Poyntzpass, had captured the hearts of people far beyond his home area after he was diagnosed with a devastating brain tumour back in 2023.
In the months since, the Poyntzpass and wider south Armagh community had rallied around the Rafferty family with constant prayers, well wishes and messages of support. Today, that same community is united in grief.
Redmond O’Hanlon’s GAC, where Padraig proudly played his football at underage level, said his loss was “a tragedy beyond words”.
In a statement, the club said: “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we learn of the passing of our underage player, Padraig Rafferty, this morning.
“The loss of Padraig is a tragedy beyond words, and our entire community is mourning the loss of one of our own.
“Padraig was a proud young footballer who wore the Redmond O’Hanlon’s jersey with great spirit, and we will always remember the dedication and joy he brought to the pitch.
“As a mark of respect to Padraig, all club activities—including all training sessions, matches, and meetings across all age groups—are suspended until further notice.
“During this unimaginably difficult time, we wrap our arms around his father John, his mother Lorraine, and his sisters Grace and Niamh, along with their extended family and friends. We stand beside you in your grief.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam óg.”
Tributes have been pouring in from across the local GAA family.
Crossmaglen Rangers GAC offered their condolences, stating: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Padraig Rafferty, underage player Redmond O’Hanlons GAC Poyntzpass.
“To Padraig’s Mammy & Daddy, Lorraine & John, Sisters, Grace & Niamh, the extended Rafferty family and our fellow Gaels, Redmond O’Hanlon’s, we are truly sorry for your enormous loss of Padraig.
“We are thinking of you all. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Sinn Féin councillor Oonagh Magennis also expressed her sympathies, saying there were “no words”, and adding: “Rest easy wee angel. Sincere condolences to John, Lorraine, Grace and Niamh, and to Padraig’s grandparents Paddy and Marie Rafferty and the wider family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam óg.”
Previously, Padraig’s school, St Joseph and St James’s, had described him as a “wonderful” pupil as they urged the community to keep him in their prayers.
Funeral arrangements for Padraig are expected be announced in due course.
All of us at Armagh I extend our deepest condolences to Padraig’s parents John and Lorraine, his sisters Grace and Niamh, wider family, friends, schoolmates and teammates.
