Having touched the lives of so many across the worlds of sport, school and beyond, Rory sadly and unexpectedly died on the evening of Wednesday, January 7 in Wexford General Hospital.
Regarded as an extremely talented player in the community, a number of clubs paid tribute to the young teenager. These tributes included one from the Duffry Rovers GAA, whom he had played with for a number of years.
“On behalf of Duffry Rovers GAA and Camogie Club we would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to Peter, Kay, Dara, Aoife and the extended Shortall and Doyle families on the sudden and untimely passing of Rory – a loving son, brother, grandson, cousin and nephew. Also at this sad time we remember his many young friends and teammates who he lined out with in the Duffry jersey over the last number of years. Sleep easy Rory, a young Rover taken way before his time,” they said.
As a mark of respect for Rory and the family, the club will be providing a guard of honour for his funeral, taking place on Saturday, January 10.
Tributes were also posted by Davidstown Courtnacuddy GAA and the Craanford GAA and Camogie club, with both extending their sympathies to the family.
On RIP.ie an abundance of tributes from classmates and teachers at his school in FCJ Secondary School, Bunclody spoke as a testament to his bright and kind personality, with many noting that he had the ability to light up a room.
One classmate wrote: “Though me and Rory weren’t very close he sat near me in almost all our classes and he always managed to bring a smile and laughter to my face.
“Rory had the power to bring everyone together with just a few simple jokes. Whenever he played sport he always had the biggest smile on his face.
“I’ll forever remember this Wednesday, the day we lost such a sweet boy who was taken from us all way too soon. I remember during English class that day he spoke about how much he loved farming and in history he was laughing with his friends, it’s hard to believe such a sweet and innocent soul is gone.”
“You really could see the impact Rory had on everyone he knew, with many tears shed we will always remember our happiness moments with Rory and he will always be in our hearts and thoughts. I give my deepest condolences to his family, close friends and teammates during this difficult and tragic time.
“Rory will forever be remembered as a young sweet respectable boy who was clearly raised right. I couldn’t even imagine the pain his family is going through at this moment but just know we are here for you. He was way to young and I can’t even begin to imagine growing older then he was,” they added.
Another classmate wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Rory. He was taken far too soon, and our hearts are with his family, friends, and everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Rory brought laughter, light, and energy wherever he went, and he will always be remembered for the joy he shared with those around him. He will never be forgotten.”
Their tribute included lines of a poem inspired by Rory’s character which included the lines: “Rory walked into the room, before you ever saw him. his laugh arriving first, echoing down the hallway, bringing life with it.”
The canteen staff in his school said they will always remembered how he was a gentleman to everyone he met.
“Our heartfelt condolences to you all on your terrible loss, Rory was a little gent and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time,” they wrote.
A teacher who coached Rory said: “I want to share my deepest condolences over Rory’s sudden and shocking passing. I coached Rory last year in FCJ and he never failed to bring a smile to my face with his enthusiasm and determination. He will be deeply missed by all in school and in his wider community.”
Many other tributes touched on not just his talent in sport, but his sportsmanship, and how he would shake hands and get along and compliment the members of the opposing team after every match.
Dearly beloved son of Peter and Kay (Kathleen) and cherished brother of Dara and Aoife. Cherished grandson of the late James Doyle, who recently passed away, Rorywill always be remembered and loved by his heartbroken parents, brother and sister, grandparents Joe and Betty Shortall and Margaret Doyle, aunts, uncles, cousins and all his friends.
Rory’s remains are reposing at his home until 8pm on Friday, January 9. Funeral mass takes place in St Colman’s Church, Ballindaggin on Saturday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.