An inspirational young man who never let his illness get him down - those were the words of tribute to devoted GAA man Gary Dillon who died due to Cystic Fibrosis on Valetine's Day. Gary was PRO of Calry/St Josephs GAA club for more than ten years. Club chairman Eddie MacHale said: "Even though the news was expected Calry/St Joseph's GAA club are greatly shocked at his passing. "Not alone have we lost one of the greatest officers in the club's history we have all lost a great, great friend.
"Gary was probably the most loveable young fellow i ever had the pleasure of meeting.
"Everybody loved Gary, young and old.
"Gary had Cystic Fibrosis but even in his darkest days it never got him down. "He was always positive and felt other people were far worse off than himself. "He was an inspiration to everyone in our club. "He was a brilliant PRO, never missed his weekly notes, never missed a club meeting, never complained, ready to answer the call at anytime."
"His PRO skills were well known not just to Calry/St Josephs but throughout the county and beyond.
"Only a few short months ago he expertly designed the cover of the programmes for the senior and intermediate County Championship finals.
"Gary's sad passing at such a young age has left a massive void in our GAA club and to our lives.
Club official Tim Hynes said Gary was a true Gael with an unbridled love of sport. He was a proud Sligo man and travelled to all Sligo League and Championship games and often when he was not feeling that well. "Gary was courteous, humble and never sough the limelight.
"His company and conversation was always inspiring and informative and enjoyable. His outstanding personal qualities endeared him to his many friends. He lifted the club profile with his photography skills. His weekly club notes and match reports were always interesting and informative.
"He later developed a club website and kept it up to date with all sporting and social news. He also wrote match reports for The Sligo Champion where he brought the passion and excitement of the game to the reader."
Gary was also involved in the 'coaching on the green Sligo City Board project' in Cartron in 2002.
He was also the club's School Liaison Officer and assisted coaching under 12 and under 14 teams from 2002 to 2005.
He progressed to the Intermediate management team and assisted at the coaching and administrative duties.
Gary also organised the club's annual dinner dances and other social activities. He was Club Supporter of the Year in 2005 and Club Person of the Year in 2007.
Mr Hynes added: Gary was truly a gentle soul and an angel who touched so many. "A bright light has been extinguished. All who knew him in any capacity mourn his loss, and are the poorer for his passing."

The Sligo Champion, February 18th, 2014 Tweet

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