The Late Patricia Bateson The counties of Derry and Tyrone were plunged into sadness by the tragic death of 20 year old Patricia Bateson, from Ballinderry who was killed when her car left the Springfield Road outside Moneymore in the early hours of Saturday morning. The tragedy occurred on the day that Derry and Tyrone Gaelic football teams were to replay their championship game made it all the more poignant, and Patricia's parents and family members are prominent in GAA circles. The minor game at Casement Park was called off as a mark of respect since Patricia's brother James was on the Derry team. Her cousin Kevin McGuckin withdrew from the senior game. The victims brothers, James and former county star, Declan were members of the Ballinderry Shamrocks side which won the All Ireland Club title last year, whilst youngest brother Daniel plays for the club's youth side. Patricia's father Jimmy is treasurer of the Ballinderry club, while her mother Gemma is a sister of the famous footballing brothers Pat, James, Terence and Adrain. Adrain has coached MacRory and Hogan Cup winning teams at St. Patrick's, Maghera and is also a BBC Gaelic football analyst. Patricia a trained hairdresser at Peter Marks in Ballymena was herself a fine camogie player, lining out at right half forward for Ballinderry. She had been a cup winner at St. Mary's Convent Grammar School, Magherafelt. Three of her sisters, Annemarie, Gemma and Paula also play in the team, while older sisters Frances and Shauna are former members. Tributes and messages of sympathy have flooded into the Bateson and McGuckin homes since news of the tragedy broke and a stunned and sorrowful community tried to come to terms with it. Ballinderry Shamrocks' chairman Eugene McIvor, said "Patricia was a truly lovely and genuine young person and our only thoughts are for her poor family". Patricia's camogie team mate Blaithain McIvor said "no-one can believe it. Like all the Batesons, Patricia was very popular. "I've never seen a death affect the parish so much. Everyone you meet is just in tears. Patricia was a lovely looking girl. It's totally tragic". Ballinderry SDLP Councillor Patsy McGlone said. "people are just numbed at this terrible loss of a beautiful young life. The thoughts of the community are with the family". Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has extended his condolences and that of his part to the family. Mr McGuinness said, "my thoughts and my prayers are with the family and friends of Patricia at this very tragic time. "The Bateson family is one of the best known sporting families in GAA circles in Derry and further afield. Patricia's untimely death is devastating to the Bateson family and her immediate community. It will also have a profound effect on a wider circle of community and sporting enthusiasts. To her parents, Jimmy and Gemma, her sisters and brothers and her extended family and friends I extend my sincerest condolences." Patricia is survived by her parents Jimmy and Gemma, brothers, Declan, James, Daniel, sisters Frances (Craig), Shauna(Lagan), Gemma (Daly), Anne-Marie, Paula and Mary, boyfriend Joe, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, granny Bateson, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces and the Bateson and McGuickin families. There were tearful scenes, at the funeral took place from her home at Lanaglue to St. Patrick's Church, Ballinderry, for Requiem Mass. Fr. Terence Kelly P.P., Ballinderry, celebrated the Funeral Mass and there was family participation in the Liturgy before interment in the local churchyard. Thus came to an end another young life and the thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved to help them bear their heavy cross. Courtesy of the The Mid Ulster Observer May 2003 Tweet

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