A south Armagh village has been left in a state-of-shock following the sudden passing of a well-known member of the community.
Father-of-three Liam Davidson passed away unexpectedly on Saturday at the age of 51.
He was the chairman of the St Michael’s GAA club in Newtownhamilton and a member of the local road bowling club.
According to reports, Liam passed away after suffering a suspected heart attack while attending the All-Ireland Road Bowling finals in Co Louth.
Tributes were led by the St Michael’s Club who wrote: “Our club community is heartbroken on the sudden passing of our chairperson Liam Davidson.
“Liam has been a dedicated and valued member of our club for over forty years, as a player, coach and holding many roles on our committee. He was well known and loved within not just our club but also in the whole GAA community in South Armagh and further afield.
“At this tough time, foremost in our thoughts are Liam’s family. We offer our prayers and support for parents Brendan and Sheila, for his wife Leona, sons Fionn and Cathal and daughter Leah as well as the wider family circle who are all heavily involved in our club.
“All club activity has been paused until further notice. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Liam’s involvement in the community and with local clubs stretched beyond his own club – he was “a lovely man who was always willing to lend a helping hand,” wrote one woman.
One man posted: “Truly one of the best you could ever know. Would always see him at the football when I would visit Newtown over the years. A great clubman who will be sorely missed in the town.”
Newtownhamilton Road Bowls added: ““The road bowling community of Newtownhamilton have been stunned and saddened at the very sudden passing of Liam (Magee) Davidson.
“Liam died very suddenly on Saturday morning whilst supporting his fellow clubman in the novice 2 All-Ireland series in Baltray county Louth.
“Liam was an ever present committee member of the Newtown club, serving at all levels on the executive, and the go to person for organising all events.
“Liam was well-known the length and breadth of the county and was also the current chairman of st Michael’s GFC. Liam was a tireless supporter of the Newtown community and will be greatly missed by everyone. The road bowls community would like to pass on it deepest sympathies to entire Davidson family circle.”
A funeral notice has described Liam, late of 36 Cullyhanna Road in Newtownhamilton – as the loving husband of Leona, devoted father of Fionn, Cahal and Leah. Treasured son of Brendan and Shelia, brother of Kieran, Harry, Brendan, Fergal, Anne and John who died in infancy.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Donations in Lieu of flowers if desired to St Michael’s G.F.C. Newtownhamilton Underage Development. C/O The Davidson Family or Murray’s Funeral Services.
Deeply regretted by his loving wife, sons, daughter, father, mother, brothers, sister, father & mother-in-law John and Sue, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and the entire Davidson and Caherty families.
