‘Jordan brought happiness to everyone he met’

THE family and friends of a young Tyrone man who went missing at the beginning of March were finally able to say goodbye to him on Sunday.

The funeral of Jordan Gallagher took place in The Church Of The Immaculate Conception in Strabane early on Easter Sunday morning, and was attended by a ‘huge congregation’ of mourners.

The 21-year-old, whose body was recovered from the Mourne River last week following almost a month of searching, was described at his Requiem Mass as somebody who ‘brought great love, happiness and spirit to everyone he met’.

Commenting on the immense pain that the young man’s family have endured since he first went missing on March 2 and the support they have received, the presiding priest, Rev Declan Boland, said, “We are asking God to comfort Jordan’s heartbroken family.

“These last three weeks have been crucifixion for them, but they have been supported by so many many good people, who have searched and helped and reached out in so many ways. We are lucky to be part of a community that support each other in times of stress and loss.

“It is rare to see a church so full. What a testament to this young man,” said Rev Boland.

Thanking those who turned up to pay their respects to Jordan, Rev Boland said, “(Jordan’s family’s) grief is deep, but your presence is wonderful.

“It is lovely to see the guard of honour from the (Strabane) Sigersons boys, because Jordan was always such a proud Sigersons player.“

Rev Boland then made reference to the wider social problems raised by Jordan’s untimely death.

“We are losing too many of our good young men. Life is difficult for them. And we need to help them, to support them, to journey with them.

“Externally, they look cool and confident, but they are no less unsure than we were at their age growing up – and there are far more pressures to deal with.”

Foremost, among the many people who have been devastated by Jordan’s death are his girlfriend, Leah; his son Jayden; parents, Danielle and Richard; brothers Jacob and Ryan; sisters, Caitlin and Brandon; grandparents, Noeleen and Thomas (Devine); uncles, Conor and Sean; and aunties, Kelly and Leah.