Tributes paid to former Monaghan footballer
Tributes have been paid following the death of former Carrickmacross and Monaghan footballer, Stephen Gollogly.
In a post on social media this evening, the Carrickmacross Emmets GAA club said that it was deeply saddened to announce the news.
The club said that Stephen’s loss has come as a profound shock.
He has been described as a player of exceptional ability, who represented Carrickmacross Emmets and Monaghan with distinction throughout his career.
They added that he was widely respected for his commitment, skill, and leadership at the highest level of the game.
In a statement the club said: ”On behalf of everyone at Carrickmacross Emmets, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Stephen’s family, friends, former teammates, and all who knew and loved him. We hold them in our thoughts at this very difficult time.
“We also encourage anyone who may be affected by Stephen’s passing to seek support from family, friends, or the services available. Grief can be heavy, and no one should carry it alone.”
Monaghan GAA has also outlined its “profound sadness” at Stephen’s passing, in a statement this evening.
In a post on social media, the club said that Stephen represented Monaghan with “immense pride, commitment and distinction” throughout his inter-county career.
The Carrick man made 133 appearances for Monaghan between 2004 and 2017, scoring 3-71.
He also played a key role in Monaghan’s Ulster Senior Football Championship wins in both 2013 and 2015 and played a part in Monaghan’s Allianz Football League Division Two wins in 2005 and 2014, and the Division Three competition in 2013.
Monaghan GAA said: “Beyond his many accomplishments, Stephen will be remembered as a gentleman, a loyal clubman and county player, and someone who embodied the very best values of the GAA.”
Stephen will repose at Lonergan Funeral Directors Funeral Home, Carrickmacross [A81 D328] on Saturday, July 25, from 1pm until 8pm.
The family home is strictly private.
His funeral cortège will leave his home, Greaghdrumit, on Monday, July 27, driving to Monaghan Street and from there proceeding on foot via Main Street & O'Neill Street to St Joseph's Church, Carrickmacross, arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial in St Joseph's Cemetery.
Stephen is sadly missed by his heartbroken family - his beloved wife Caroline and his much-loved children Ava, Shay, Grace and Sophie; his parents Peter & Mary and his brother Ronan (Serena); his parents-in-law Donal & Mary McCabe; his brothers-in-law Martin (Sarah) & Paul (Áine) and his sister-in-law Maria (Stephen); nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, friends and neighbours.
He was predeceased by his infant daughter Chloe.
The family asked for donations, in lieu of flowers in Stephen's memory, to Féileacáin, a charity that provides support and care to families affected by stillbirth or a neonatal death.