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Hundreds attend funeral of former Tyrone goalkeeper

HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Coalisland on Thursday as former Tyrone goalkeeper Jonny Curran’s coffin was borne from Fr Peter Campbell Park to the Church of the Holy Family for his funeral Mass.
 
As requested by the Coalisland Fianna club, mourners wore masks and adhered to strict social distancing rules as they paid their final respects to the much-loved father-of-two, who died suddenly last Sunday (October 18).
 
Due to Covid restrictions the funeral Mass was limited to close family, however many watched the service through the church’s webcam. 
 
The coffin bearing Mr Curran, who would have celebrated his 34th birthday today (Monday), was carried by relatives, friends and teammates, including members of the 2010 Coalisland Fianna championship winning team.
 
It was adorned by his Fianna, Tyrone and Dungannon Swifts goalkeeper jerseys.   
 
Among those who accompanied the remains of Mr Curran to the church were Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, former and present Coalisland Fianna and Tyrone players, Rodney McAree and representatives of Dungannon Swifts and members of GAA clubs throughout the county wearing their team jackets. 
 
Fr Brian Slater, a member of the Fianna club, who officiated at the Mass, said, “Jonny has touched our hearts with his big grin, his chatty outgoing nature and most of all his friendship.”
 
He also spoke of the “shock, pain and loss” wrought by Jonny’s death “coming completely out of the blue”, adding that there was no formula to make things better and calling on mourners to find comfort in their faith in God.  
 
Referring to his wonderful football career, which included winning All-Ireland minor and senior medals and “the highlight” a senior club O’Neill Cup medal, Fr Slater added, “He was a dominant presence in goals and his beautiful dulcet tones could be heard from miles away, and sadly, now Father Peter Campbell Park is much quieter without you Jonny.”
 
Mr Curran’s young son Neasán read a heartrending poem, ‘Sleep Tight Dad’, while brother Stevie Curran also paid tribute to a short life lived so well, with a moving poem. 
 
Father-in-law, Sean Daly, told mourners, “Jonny was the kindest, most decent fellow I ever came across,” describing him as “a breath of fresh air when he walked through the door”. 
 
Mr Curran was laid to rest in Donaghmore where he lived with his partner Clodagh and young sons Neasán and Darsái.
 
He is also survived by his parents Anthony and Alicia and siblings Stevie and Louise and a wide family circle.
 

 

 

 

 

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