The funeral took place in August of Brendan McCooey, (18), of Cullyhanna, who tragically died in a swimming accident in Crete. Family members led the mourning at the end of a long seven day's wait as the authorities in Crete and the Foreign Office officials processed the details of his untimely death. Team mates from the local St Patrick's GAA club formed a Guard of Honour as his remains were carried from the church to the cemetery and friends who had accompanied him on holiday, helped carry the coffin. The local Parish Priest Fr. Kevin Cullen described him as a young man who loved his football with the local club and who was always out and about in his car. He stated that Brendan was from a big extended family who had been giving each other great support in the week since the accident. St Patrick's GAA captain Ciaran O'Hare and vice captain Shane Lennon paid tribute to Brendan, describing him as a talented and dedicated player who would be sadly missed by his fellow players and many friends. The Authorities described the cause of death as accidental drowning. He had been just two days into his first foreign holiday. Courtesy of Armagh Examiner. August 2007 Tweet

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