A young Portadown GAA player who tragically passed away this weekend is to be buried on Wednesday – on what would have been his nineteenth birthday.
Frank James McCaffery, who played for the Tír na nÓg GFC Club, passed away on Sunday (December 17).
A death notice states that he was the beloved son of Jean and Francis and dear brother of Haley and Rosa.
His funeral on Wednesday will leave 6 Selshion Hall at 11:50am to the Church of St. John the Baptist Drumcree for Requiem Mass at 12:30pm.
Internment afterwards will be in the adjoining cemetery, with the house being private at this time.
Obituary: The death has occurred of Frank-James McCaffery (Portadown)
Following the announcement of Frank-James’ passing, his club led tributes to a young man nicknamed ‘Frank the Tank’; a forward who was a key cog in a double championship winning side.
The club statement read: “The committee, members, players and coaches of Tír na nÓg are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Frank James McCaffery.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Frank James’ mother Jean, father Francis, sisters Hayley and Rosa, cousins and players Joe, Tom and Sam and the entire family circle.”
It added: “Frank James, fondly referred to by his teammates as “Frank the Tank” was a formidable forward and a key player on our U14 double championship winning and U16.5 championship winning teams.
“Frank always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye and provided the craic on many an away day with his team. A laid back lad with a kind soul, who did his talking on the pitch.
“Frank James, we will remember you fondly.”
St Malachy’s Hurling Club Portadown added: “The committee and members of St Malachy’s Hurling & Camogie Club are saddened to learn of the tragic death of Frank James McCaffery. We extend our sympathy and condolences to his parents Jean & Francis, sisters Haley & Rosa and the wider family at this time.
“Many will remember Frank James playing with our underage hurling teams in the past. Solas na bhFlaiteas dá anam uasal.”
Read more: GAA club lead tributes following sad passing of Portadown youngster
