Tributes paid to local GAA player

THE committee and members of Naomh Comhghall CLG say they are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of their former colleague and teammate Cormac Allen, who died suddenly last week.

A spokeperson for the club said: “From his early days at under 10 right through his teenage years, Cormac made a big impact on each of the teams for which he played.

“In 1989 his name was inscribed on the under 12 trophy for player of the year and in 1991 he was part of the team which won the Southwest Antrim under 14 football title after dramatically coming from behind against Cuchullians of Dunloy.

“Cormac continued to line out at each age level and played for the county on a representative team at under 16.

“While still only 17 years of age he played a key role in the famous victories of 1995 when Naomh Comhghall won the Southwest Junior championship, the all County Junior championship and the Dunedin Connollys’ tournament in Edinburgh in October of that year. Cormac was also a Co Junior championship winner for the Comgalls in 1998.

“Throughout his time playing for the club, Cormac won many friends and admirers. He stood out on the field of play, not just for his height and fielding ability, but also his clear enjoyment of the game. and the ease with which he made friends wherever he played. He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

“The deepest sympathies of all associated with the club go out to Cormac’s father and mother, Kevin and Anne-Marie, his younger brother Ronan and the wide family circle.”

Mr Allen, late of Islandbawn Drive was laid to rest on Saturday at Sixmile Cemetery, following a service at St Joseph’s Church in Greystone.