Final farewell for ‘true gentleman’ killed in accident

 

Phillip Moore, late of Glassdrummond Road, Aughnacloy, died on Thursday morning after the incident at Westland Horticulture in Granville Industrial Estate.

 

A talented rugby player, Mr Moore dedicated his whole career to playing for Clogher Valley RFC, where he has been described as a “true club legend”.

 

Hundreds of mourners, adhering to social distancing rules, lined the road yesterday (Sunday) afternoon to pay their last respects as his remains were taken to his final resting place at Upper Clonaneese Presbyterian Churchyard.

 

Representatives from rugby clubs far and wide joined with members of Clogher Valley RFC to form a guard of honour as the cortege arrived at the church.

 

Speaking at Upper Clonaneese’s online Sunday service yesterday morning, Rev Jackie Spence said it was with a “heavy heart and a deep sadness” that he had to announce the sudden passing of “our friend and faithful church member”.

 

Rev Spence said, “I know that everyone from both the Upper and Lower congregation would want me to pass on to Phillip’s family our love, prayers and support at this very painful time… We want to say this morning how heartbroken

we are for you in your hour of grief.”

 

Paying tribute to the club stalwart on Facebook, Clogher Valley RFC posted, “It is with deep regret we have been informed that our friend and playing colleague Phillip Moore passed away after an accident at work. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Ruth, daughter Lilly and the family.”

 

As well as playing for Clogher Valley, Mr Moore also represented the Ulster under-18s between 1998 and 2000 and also turned out for the Ulster Junior side for more than a decade.

 

The tribute continued, “He was immense on the pitch and a true gentleman off the pitch. He was part of the winning Towns Cup teams and the Junior Cup and many league titles, he was feared by many opposition props on the pitch.

 

“Phillip will be sadly missed by all around Clogher Valley Rugby Club on and off the pitch.”

 

Deputy chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Meta Graham, who represents the Clogher Valley area, said the whole community was in shock.

 

The UUP councillor said, “Phillip was a young man from a well-known and highly-respected family in the Aughnacloy area and was held in the highest regard by everyone who knew him. The whole community is in shock, it’s just so incredibly sad.”

 

She added, “I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Moore family and to assure them that the thoughts and prayers of the whole community will continue to be with them in the days ahead.”

 

He is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Lilly, parents Lawrence and Eva, brother Mark, sister Naomi and wider family circle.

 

An investigation into the workplace fatality has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for Northern Ireland.

 

A spokesperson added, “Our thoughts are with the deceased’s family at this tragic time.”