Gerard ‘Jock’ Rafferty died on Wednesday, January 28, after a tragic crash at a Spar shop in Clonoe
Gerald ‘Jock’ Rafferty, 71, who died after being hit by a car at a filling station near Coalisland
A man who was killed in a “freak accident” earlier this week in Co Tyrone was “always thinking of others,” his funeral heard. Gerard ‘Jock’ Rafferty, 71, died on Wednesday, January 28, after he was struck by a car that crashed through the front of Lynch’s Spar in Clonoe.
At his funeral mass at St Patrick’s Church in Clonoe on Saturday morning, staff from the Spar shop formed a guard of honour as Jock’s coffin was carried into the church, as ‘Amazing Grace’ began to play to the packed congregation.
Beginning the Requiem Mass, parish priest Canon Benny Fee welcomed the congregation, including those who had travelled from England, Galway, and Dublin, as well as those watching on the live webcam from America and Australia.
Reflecting on the guard of honour outside the church, Canon Fee said: “I must say how lovely it is to see that beautiful guard of honour, the staff of the young people of Lynch’s along with the management here today. They are welcome and we appreciate they did what they could on Wednesday when they could do nothing.”
Jock’s grandchildren brought symbols to the altar to remember the life of Jock. This included a football and GAA jersey to remember his days playing for Maghery, before moving to Derrylaughan for his wife, Susan.
They also carried a photo of his grandchildren, a trowel to remmeber his career as a bricklayer, a bingo book as he would travel to Ardboe for bingo, and a collection of lotto tickets.
“Grandad used to hope he would win the lottery and if he won the lottery, it’d be worth a fortune. Who are the first people granddad would have given money to? You, yes that’s right,” Canon Fee said to Jock’s grandchildren.
“This is a very hard question – who would be the last person he’d give his lottery money to? He would give it to his grandchildren first, then of course he’d give it to his wife and his daughters, then all his lovely brothers and sisters. With a bit of luck and fingers crossed, he might have given some to the parish priest too.
“But the last person he would give some to was himself, he never thought of himself, he was a very generous man, always thinking of others.”
Canon Fee called for St Brigid to pray for those “whose lives have been turned into powerlessness since the freak accident” on Wednesday. He recalled Jock’s final moments, with his daughter by his side.
Addressing her, Canon Fee said: “Shauna, you were so good. You were there with him in his moment of leaving this world. She was able to say what she wanted to say, to tell him that, in the name of her sisters and all who loved him, that he was deeply loved.
“Many a millionaire didn’t die with those words echoing in his heart. He might have never won the lottery, but he was a millionaire as he listened to the lovely Shauna’s kind, good, loving words on Wednesday past.”
Continuing the mass, Canon Fee remembered the driver of the car who crashed into the Spar shop on Wednesday afternoon. He said: “There’s another lovely little lady I’m asking Brigid to hug and embrace today, because none of us would swap places with her.
“That’s the girl who was driving the car on Wednesday past. We pray Brigid indeed will be with her in her powerless today, and care for her hurting heart in the days to come.”
In the days after his passing, tributes poured in from those remembering Jock. He was described by Derrylaughan Kevin Barrys GAC as a “a much loved and respected member of our local community.”
Posting a tribute on social media, a spokesperson for the club added: “Jock was a true gentleman – gracious, kind and always welcoming, greeting everyone with an open heart and a warm, gentle smile. He was deeply cherished by his loving family and by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Jock took great pride in his family, and we are very fortunate to have some of his children and grandchildren as active playing members of Derrylaughan Kevin Barry’s GAC.
“The entire club community extends its heartfelt sympathy, love and support to the Rafferty and Quinn families on the loss of Jock at this very difficult time. To Jock’s family and loved ones, as you navigate this unimaginable loss, please know that you are surrounded by the love and support of your clubs and the wider community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
“As a mark of respect, the club grounds will remain closed, with all club-related activities postponed until further notice.”
A funeral notice reads: “Rafferty (formerly Maghery and Derrylaughan) as a result of a tragic accident, Gerard ( Jock), RIP, beloved husband of Susan (nee Quinn), much loved father of Shauna (Brendan), Caoimhe (Caolan) and Niamh (Caolan), cherished grandfather to Brendan, Darragh, Saoirse, Cliodhna, Caidi, Cohan, Cillian and Croia.
“Beloved son of the late James and Maureen RIP, dearest brother of Veronica, Bernie, Anne, Patricia, Eileen, Rosaleen, Margaret, Kevin, Frank, Maurice, Eamon, Malachy, Joe and the late Marie and Seamus (in infancy) RIP.
“Deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife, daughters, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, brothers-in-law Sean, Hugh and James, sisters-in Bridget, Angela, Noreen, Colette, and Ann, sons-in-law, nephews, nieces and the entire Rafferty and Quinn family circles.”
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