Man who died in freak accident always put others first, funeral told

Gerard 'Jock' Rafferty died after a tragic crash at a Spar shop in Clonoe.

71-year-old Gerard 'Jock' Rafferty died after he was struck by a car which crashed through the front of Lynch's Spar in Clonoe on Wednesday, January 28.

As reported by Belfast Live, at his funeral service on Saturday morning Jock's grandchildren brought symbols to the altar to remember his life, including a GAA jersey, lotto tickets and a bingo book.

"Grandad used to hope he would win the lottery and if he won the lottery, it'd be worth a fortune. Who are the first people granddad would have given money to?" parish priest Canon Fee asked to Jock's grandchildren.

They replied: "This is a very hard question - who would be the last person he'd give his lottery money to? He would give it to his grandchildren first, then of course he'd give it to his wife and his daughters, then all his lovely brothers and sisters. With a bit of luck and fingers crossed, he might have given some to the parish priest too.

"But the last person he would give some to was himself, he never thought of himself, he was a very generous man, always thinking of others," reported Belfast Live.

Tributes poured in for the 71-year-old following his death, with Derrylaughan Kevin Barrys GAC describing him as 'a much loved and respected member of our local community'.

"Jock was a true gentleman — gracious, kind and always welcoming, greeting everyone with an open heart and a warm, gentle smile. He was deeply cherished by his loving family and by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

"Jock took great pride in his family, and we are very fortunate to have some of his children and grandchildren as active playing members of Derrylaughan Kevin Barry’s GAC."

Mr Rafferty is deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife, daughters, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, and his entire extended family and wide circle of friends.