Tributes to Strabane man who had pioneering heart transplant

THE funeral has taken place of Strabane man Mark Devine, who, aged 15, was among the first people in Northern Ireland to receive a heart transplant.

Mark’s funeral was held on Tuesday morning at St Theresa’s Church in Sion Mills, with interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Mark was just two-years-old when he was diagnosed with a heart defect. Initially, it was thought to be treatable with medication. However, in 1990 it was determined that Mark would need a heart transplant. He travelled to London in 1991, and in November of that year, became one of the first people in the North to receive a full heart transplant..

Before his transplant, a campaign was organised in Strabane to raise money for Mark and his family, supported by comedian Jimmy Cricket, who was Mark’s television hero.

Speaking at his funeral service, a priest described Mark as a passionate football fan who embraced life, despite his many health challenges.

Mark supported Liverpool Football Club and Derry City, and was known for his joy for life and sense of humour.

“Mark loved to laugh, and he loved life and winding people up,” said the priest.

“Mark was blessed with a loving family and an enjoyable childhood. In his youth, he loved playing football and cricket in the streets of Lisnafin with his friends.

“He had a huge passion for football and was a dedicated Liverpool fan who also enjoyed going to Derry City matches. He also loved painting figurines, which showed the patient and artistic side of his personality.”

The priest added, “Mark loved his family and was incredibly close to his siblings Stephen, Claire and Andrea. He adored his nephew Conor, whom he always tried to convert into a Liverpool fan. Despite his health challenges, Mark always embraced life. Not many people endured as many health issues as Mark did, having had a heart transplant at 15 and various other problems, but he always faced everything as best as he could.”

Mark is survived by his siblings Stephen, Claire and Andrea, his sister-in-law Andrea, and his nephew Conor. He will be sadly missed by his entire family and many friends.