More than £8,000 raised in memory of Mattie McGuigan

THE Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust has extended its thanks after received a generous donation of more than £8,000 from a Cookstown GAA club.

A special collection, organised by Fr Rocks GAC, was taken at a Mass held in Holy Trinity Chapel, Cookstown in memory of late Kildress man, Mattie McGuigan, who passed away in Australia early last month.

The 24-year-old captain of Kildress Wolfe Tone GAA club, died suddenly in Sydney, less than only a week after arriving in Australia with his girlfriend.

He became the captain of the Wolfe Tones’ first team at 22, and played a key role in securing the club’s success in the Tyrone Junior Championship in 2020.

Aided by a generous donations from an anonymous member of the club, a total of £8,830 was raised for the Trust.

Colin Bell, from the Trust, travelled to the Paddy Cullen Park committee rooms for the cheque presentation last Thursday.

A statement on behalf of Trust said, “We were delighted to meet Mattie’s brother, Karol, who is also a member of the club, and to see our old mate, Eddie Doris.”

A spokesperson for Fr Rocks extended their sincerest gratitude to all who helped make the ‘reflection’ in tribute to Mattie such a powerful and inspiring event.

Speaking with the TyroneHerald, chair of Fr Rocks GAC, Raymond Donnelly, said, “I want to thank the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for the great work they do, as well as everyone who generously donated and offered their support. I would also like to thank Fr Lawrence Boyle for allowing us the use of the chapel to carry out the collection.”