JJ Lafferty, respected referee, coach and Carndonagh hurling stalwart, passes away

Carndonagh and the wider Donegal GAA community are mourning the loss of JJ Lafferty, a well-known referee, coach, administrator and long-serving member of the Carndonagh GAA club, who has died.

A father of three, JJ passed away on Wednesday after a courageous battle with illness.

Carndonagh GAA, which was on a high last weekend following their Junior A and Junior B football championship final double, has been plunged into mourning at the death of their clubmate and friend.

“As we’ve learned over the years, life can bring great highs only to be followed by the lowest of lows,” the club posted on social media when announcing the suspension of all club activities.

“We never expected that as we celebrated on Saturday night, before the week was out we’d be facing such terrible news.

“Over recent years we knew that JJ was going through a battle, one he faced with fierce determination, courage and good grace. In all that time he was always around, continuing to sort referees, to coach, to support and always eager to have a chat.

“While we have lost an active member who has carried out a wide variety of roles, most recently as Chairman of our Bord na nÓg and as a coach with our Senior Hurlers, it’s nothing to the loss of his family.

“Our deepest condolences go to Nuala, Conor, Oran and Cian, and to his parents, sister, brothers and extended family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go to them all at this time.”

JJ pictured with his wife Nuala and son Conor at the Carndonagh GAA awards in 2019

JJ Lafferty was particularly well known in hurling circles, where he coached Carn teams at all grades. He also served as a referee and an administrator, sourcing and appointing referees throughout the county. Even this season, while travelling regularly to Galway for treatment, he continued appointing referees to ensure that young players had officials in charge so they could play the game he loved.

He is survived by his wife Nuala, sons Conor, Oran and Cian, parents Margaret and John Francis, brothers Brendan, Karl and Kevin, sister Catriona, his nieces, nephews and extended family circle.

JJ’s wake will be held at his home in Corvish, Carndonagh (F93 YC82) from Friday.

Funeral Mass will take place in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Carndonagh at 11 am on Sunday, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal.