Former Tyrone footballer Jody Gormley has died aged 53
RIP: Trillick manager Jody Gormley during the 2024 Tyrone SFC final against Errigal Ciarán. Picture: ©INPHO/John McVitty
Former Tyrone footballer Jody Gormley has passed away at the age of 53.
The Trillick manager revealed to his players following October’s senior county final defeat to Errigal Ciarán that he had terminal liver cancer and had months to live. He had led them to success over the Ballygawley side in last year’s decider after extra-time.
It is with profound sadness that I announce my brother Jody passed away peacefully this evening.
— Damian Gormley (@GormleyDamian) December 9, 2024
In a stirring interview with BBC Sport in October, the 1995 Ulster SFC winner and All-Ireland finalist spoke of facing his mortality. “I have no fear of dying. No fear of dying whatsoever. I've felt blessed my entire life."
He continued: "The sadness is the people you're leaving behind. That I'll not get to see my son (James), he's training hard with Trillick, he's come back after a couple of years, that I'll not get to see him play and I'll not get to see my family grow up and mature.”
The former Down coach and Antrim manager, a secondary school teacher, is survived by his wife Deirdre and children Aine, James and Niamh.
Gormley was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in September. He suffered a stroke while on a family holiday in Florida in the summer of 2023.
He coached Down alongside manager Paddy O’Rourke in 2006 before taking over Antrim the following season where he remained for two years.
Jody Gormley died this evening. Life is so unfair. I hope his family can take some comfort, in knowing that he was stunning human being.
— Thomas Niblock (@thomasniblock) December 9, 2024
He was the best of us❤️ pic.twitter.com/yTvuuqrzph
