The late Gary Foy's 'contribution to football in Donegal will be fondly remembered'

Tributes have been paid to the late Gary Foy, Ballybofey.

Gary, who would've turned 58 this Saturday, was best-known in football and photography circles, combining his two loves and often seen at various grounds around the county and a regular at Finn Park. All games in the Donegal League will be postponed this weekend as a mark of respect.

Gary had been a long-time PRO of the Donegal League, Ballybofey United and the East Donegal Schoolboys, as well as being the secretary of the Ulster Clay Target Shooting Association and founder of Clayshot Magazine.

"The Donegal Junior League is deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague Gary Foy, PRO of the Donegal Junior League," the league posted.

"The news of Gary’s passing has come as a profound shock to everyone involved with the League. Since his election to the Executive Committee of the Donegal Junior League, Gary was an ever-present and hugely committed PRO. For many years, he worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the League, always ensuring that club reports were kept to the forefront and that the efforts of our clubs, players and volunteers were recognised.

"Gary worked closely with our sponsors and understood the importance of strong relationships in helping the League to develop and move forward. When opportunities arose to promote the League through the media, Gary took the necessary steps to ensure the Donegal Junior League received the coverage it deserved.

"Gary was an integral part of everything that happened within the League and was highly respected — not only for his abilities as PRO, but for his genuine eagerness to see the League, its clubs and its players thrive. In the coming days, much will be written about Gary, and many great stories will no doubt be recalled. He gave so generously of his time for the good of others.
To his wife Carmel, daughters Catherine and Sian, and sons Conor and Ciaran and family, we extend our deepest and sincerest condolences."

"Gary was always willing to help the club with various initiatives over the years and will be sadly missed," Drumoghill FC posted. "His most notable contributions were during the weekend of our new pitch opening in 2015 when he went out of his way to capture many images and printed souvenirs to mark the occasion."

Lifford Celtic said that Gary's "contribution to football in Donegal will be fondly remembered by all who knew him."

The Ulster Clay Target Shooting Association posted: "It is with great sadness that we the committee of the UCTSA announce the passing of Gory, our esteemed friend and secretary.

"Gary was a great ambassador for our sport and worked tirelessly to promote the association in his post as secretary and via his magazine, he also represented our Ulster members on the ICTSA executive and was a proud member of the Ireland DTL team in his earlier years. He always did his best to bring new junior members into our sport as well as sponsoring trophies."

"Sorry to hear about the passing of Gary Foy," Paddy Carley of Clayshot posted. "Many a long conversation we had over the years and always looked after us with the magazine adverts."