Muff comes to a stand-still as Naomh Padraig star Evan Craig is laid to rest

Muff came to a standstill on Wednesday afternoon as the village remembered the life of the young GAA player Evan Craig as he was laid to rest. 

His coffin was draped in his Naomh Padraig jersey and a Celtic flag as it was carried into the Sacred Heart Church.

On the way to the church, Evan’s heartbroken team mates carried him onto the Naomh Padraig GAA pitch.

Mr Craig was 24 when he passed away on Sunday evening after a battle with cancer.

The Mass was streamed to nearby St Mary’s Hall to accommodate the many mourners who could not fit into the church.

Fr Farren, who celebrated the Mass, said Evan’s passion for sport was evident from a very young age, as “he was kicking a ball since he’s been able to walk”.

“His two greatest loves in life were Naomh Padraig and Celtic Football Club. That was of course until he met Cloda.

“He loved his two nieces Ellie and Anna, and loved seeing them come to visit, just not too early on a Sunday morning. As a very responsible uncle, he thought it was his duty to teach them a few songs like Celtic Symphony and Jimmy’s Winning Matches and the odd four letter word as well.

“Next to Cloda, the GAA was his biggest love playing Gaelic for Naomh Padraig and Inishowen and his skills and attitude was known not only locally but in various parts of the county.”

Evan was getting ready for the next stage in his life as an electrician.

“He passed all those exams, a week after he was diagnosed with cancer,” Fr Farren said.

Gifts brought to the altar included a signed Naomh Padraig jersey to show his love of the GAA, electrical tools which he had bought for the next chapter of his life, a photo of Cloda to show that she was his rock and a rubber duck to show his fun loving side.

Evan is survived by his parents Grace and Joe, sisters Ciara and Orla, his grandmother Annie McColgan and his nieces Ellie and Anna and his girlfriend Cloda.

Both Naomh Padraig and Redcastle United have paid tribute to Evan.

The GAA club posted on social media: “We as a club are devastated this evening to hear of the sad passing of our much loved and respected senior player Evan Craig.”

Redcastle United said: “Evan spent many great years at Redcastle Football Club evolving through our underage teams, and was renowned for his speed and agility.”

Musicians The High Flying Paddy’s said they were “heartbroken” at the news of Evan’s death.

“Evan was a massive fan of the band, from the gigs, to the afterparties, the celtic matches, Evan was there from day one and never missed.”