Myself Caoimhe and our kids are so saddened to hear the devestating news of our friend, coach and fellow clubman James McVeigh.

To our kids James was as inspirational coach and in particular with Brenna who he helped coach from u8s until now. James was such a forward thinker and set up a strategic plan for the underage Camogie that saw numerous coaches get involved and increase numbers at all underage groups in our club. These players will be the foundation of our senior Camogie team in years to come however James will now have to watch and guide them from above.

Brenna will miss him terribly not only as a coach but for the craic as he christened her Tir naNog’s big scary full back and a great memory will be when he got her an interview with the 2 Johnnies at Croke Park.

As a friend to Caoimhe and myself we enjoyed manys a nights craic out at events including Lip Sync, Biggest Loser, Night at the Races. We will miss his banter.

James had a big influence in my coaching career over the last 10 years in particular when James encouraged me to complete my Level 1 coaching for Hurling. We also attended Ulster coaching courses in Tyrone, Derry and Belfast where I have learned so much and would not have attended if it wasn’t for James.

In 2019 James resurrected the Junior Hurling team at Tir naNog. He asked me and JP to give him a hand but im sure JP will agree it was all his doing. Bringing men back to the club simply to help their mental health and well being along with a few team meetings in Randalstowns licensed premises lol. The banter on the group chat was always led by James starting manys a row between good friends lol. We will miss his witty humour.

I have so many great memories with James through GAA including our Centenary U12 Centenary hurling tournament, Ballycran Co Down, Na Fianna Dublin and numerous trips to Croke Park where our kids got to play at HQ again many thanks to James.

We are delighted to have seen James win club person of the year 2018 along with coaching our seniors this year to Intermediate glory. Only James would be more happy with what progress he has seen in the club in all codes and ages over the last lot of years.

It is so sad to lose a fellow club person and espically someone at such a young age. Our sincere condolences to James’ family at this sad time. May his soul rest in peace.