Tributes paid to ‘true gentleman’ rugby player who’ll be ‘greatly missed’ following death hours after playing for club
Rugby union wasn’t the sole sport he played to a high level
AN Armagh rugby club is mourning the death of one of its players – just hours after he’d lined out for them in a match.
Adam Hegarty was a well-known member of City of Armagh Rugby Club.
He passed away on Saturday mere hours after participating in a match for the club’s Second XV against Dungannon where he’d even scored a try.
A native of Saval, which is close to Newry, Hegarty had previously been the rugby outfit’s top try-scorer across an entire season in 2023.
His tragic death has sparked widespread tributes across the Ulster rugby fraternity.
Leading the way, his heartbroken club posted: “City of Armagh RFC are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of senior player, Adam Hegarty.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Hegarty family and to all of Adam’s friends and teammates at this incredibly difficult time.
“Adam joined our club at youth level and progressed through the youth ranks before moving into our senior teams.
“Adam was highly respected by coaches, teammates and all who knew him – both on and off the field.
“A true gentleman who represented our club with pride. He will be greatly missed by the entire City of Armagh RFC community.”
In a show of solidarity, Portadown Rugby Football Club expressed condolences upon hearing the terrible news.
The Armagh club added: “On behalf of Portadown Rugby Football Club, we extend our deepest sympathies to everyone at City of Armagh Rugby Club following the heart-breaking loss of Adam Hegarty.
“Our thoughts are with Adam’s family, friends, teammates, and the entire Armagh rugby community at this incredibly difficult time.
“Rugby brings rivals on the field, but it also unites us as one family off it. Today, we stand with you in grief and solidarity. May he rest in peace.”
Among the many individual tributes paid to him in the days since his passing was one from Armagh City Sinn Féin councillor Sarah Duffy.
‘IT’S DEVASTATING’
She acknowledged: “It’s devastating news – thinking of Adam’s family, friends and all who loved him.”
Rugby union wasn’t the only sport he excelled in over the course of his life either as he’d similarly lined out for Saval’s GAA club before settling on rugby as his primary sport.
In a death notice Mr Hegarty is described as the much-loved son of Noel and Caroline and brother of Jack and Ellen.
It said his passing is deeply regretted by his parents, brother, sister, grandparents Brendan and Peggy, Oliver Turley, and his wider family circle and many friends.
Arrangements for his funeral have yet to be announced.
