Treasured son who was a credit to his family, club and community laid to rest in Nobber

The village of Nobber came to a standstill on Sunday morning as huge crowds gathered to bid farewell to Jack McIlroy (25), who lost his life last week following a tragic workplace accident.

Teammates and club members of the local Electro Celtic soccer club, all wearing jerseys with 'McIlroy' and the number two on the back, provided a guard of honour from Jack's home in Cluain Beag to the nearby St John the Baptist Church and afterwards carried his coffin along the main street towards the cemetery.

Dozens of work colleagues from Paramount Doors in Kingscourt, the company owned by Jack's uncle David Weldon, also provided a guard of honour after the Funeral Mass outside the church.

The sense of sadness and devastation has been palpable in the North Meath village ever since news broke on Wednesday of Jack's sudden passing. The tight knit community has come together to support Jack's devastated parents Alan and Deirdre, uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins and friends, while still struggling to come to terms with his death.

Jack went to primary school in the local Scoil Eoin Báiste and pupils and teachers lined the main street both as Jack's remains were taken home on Friday afternoon and also after his Funeral Mass as he made his final journey to the local cemetery.

During the Funeral Mass on Sunday, Fr Liam Malone spoke of what a lovely, quiet, young man Jack was, a lad who never gave a minute's trouble. An only son, he was treasured by his parents and a joy to his family and the village.

He recalled Jack's love of sport, particularly soccer and how he loved to play with the local Electro Celtic Club and had just been out training last week. His other great passion was Man United and Fr Malone recalled how he wore the broadest of smiles on a surprise trip to Old Trafford with his father and uncle Kevin to see his favourite team and Ronaldo play back in 2007.

Jack also played underage football with Nobber GFC and the club provided a guard of honour as the funeral cortege passed the club grounds.

Fr Malone told how Jack collected jerseys from around the world and at last count had 1,200 jerseys, most still in original packaging with labels attached. He used to have them posted to his grandfather Jim's home in County Down and Jim would bring them down to him. Sadly his latest box of seven jerseys arrived two days earlier.

Jack's love of Electro Celtic was recalled where as well as being a player, he had been on the committee for a number of years and took up the role of secretary in 2022.

“Everyone on a committee knows that secretary is the worst job to get but it was a role he loved and threw himself into. He loved it, the registration of players and contacting the NEFL particularly regarding fixtures etc. Jack excelled at this role and the club was complimented this year by the league for the quality of his work,” said Fr Malone.

“Only last Saturday he had been out strimming the pitch with his father Alan, club assistant treasurer and grounds manager.”

Jack took his first job in Paramount Doors over six years ago and Fr Malone said he loved his job where he worked with his dad, uncles and cousins. He told how Jack was also godfather to his cousin Alex Weldon and made sure Alex was also well kitted out with jerseys and football boots. Penny, the dog, joined the family at Christmas and mourners heard how her favourite pastime was pulling Jack's socks off when he came home from work.

Fr Malone spoke of how everyone's thoughts and prayers were with Alan and Deirdre, over the days, weeks and months ahead and also his grandparents Michael, Minnie and Jim, uncles Kevin, Dermot, David and Noel, aunts Annette, Tanya, Jill and Lynn.

Widespread tributes have been paid to the 25-year-old and a minute's applause was observed in advance of all clubs at NEFL fixtures over the weekend, as a mark of respect.

In a statement on behalf of the NEFL, secretary Justin Burke said: “Jack was only 25 years old and took on the role of Secretary at his club last year due to his passion for soccer and brought a level of professionalism to the role in his time as Club Secretary, and took on many roles within his club.

“Our immediate thoughts and prayers are with his parents Alan and Deirdre, his family, friends, team mates and all at Electro Celtic football club during this sad time.”

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the accident at Paramount Doors Ireland in Kingscourt shortly before midday last Wednesday, where Jack had suffered an injury.

He was transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for treatment, but subsequently sadly passed away there.