Blake McCaughey: Outpouring of love and grief after passing of 'an inspiration to everyone around him' as funeral details released

His mother Christine announced his death on social media on Saturday.

She wrote: “Our beautiful, amazing, inspirational Blakey Boy. Today you left to us for heaven and you have left a pain I cannot describe.

“No warning, no words, just goodbye my baby boy. 18 years you have called me mummy and I am the proudest mummy in the world to call you mine.

“Your cheeky, smart comments and bad words will be missed in Tandragee and beyond.

“Go and be with Granda and your dog Rocco and look over us in the times ahead. You’ll never walk alone my boy. Our shining star.”

Blake, who was born with two chromosome deletions and abnormal muscle fibres, had a rare genetic disorder that caused irreversible intestinal failure.

And a GoFundMe started after his passing on January 17 (to pay for funeral expenses) by Maria Kearney says: ‘Blakey was an inspiration to everyone around him.

‘He had struggles from the day he was born but fought through every battle that hit him.

‘He lit up every room he entered. As soon as you met him he left an impression on your heart.’

The message adds: ‘He loved his Belfast Giants, his flute band, Liverpool and most importantly he adored his friends and his amazing family (especially the women).

‘Blakey you will never walk alone

‘This is not goodbye it's a see you later gorgeous boy’.

So far the appeal has raised over £3,000.

And funeral details have been released for the teenager.

A notice on Joseph Poots & Son says: ‘McCAUGHEY Blake Thomas James fell asleep 17th January 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

‘Precious son of Christine & Andy, brave brother of Pixie and special Godson of Neil. Blake will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his family, friends and all who knew him - especially his loyal dogs, Spiro, Porcha and Wee Tommy’.

It adds: ‘Blake's final journey will be from his happy place at 12 noon on Friday 23rd January for a Celebration of Blake in Ballymore Parish Church at 1pm followed by burial in Drumcree Parish Churchyard.

‘Flowers are welcome from all and the family would love it if you could please dress how Blake would have known you best.

‘Reunited with his Granda Thomas and beloved dog, Rocco. Love you bye xox’

Belfast Giants also posted on social media: ‘Everyone at the Belfast Giants is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 18-year-old Blake McCaughey.

‘Blake was a devoted, passionate Belfast Giants fan and an even more incredible young man who touched the hearts of players, coaches, staff, and supporters alike.

Another post from Portadown True Blues says: ‘Devastating news has reached us this afternoon that our current esteemed member Blake McCaughey has sadly passed away.

‘No words can describe the feeling of such a loss that has hit each and every one of us this afternoon but none more so than his immediate family who are also all current members, Christine, Andy, Pixie and Neil.

‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you’.