Mourners for popular businessman Joe Dorman told he was “a big fella with a big heart"

A death notice on Funeral Times says that Mr Dorman, from Magherafelt, died on Saturday, January 7.

Today, his Requiem Mass in Our Lady of the Assumption church in Magherafelt, Parish Priest Father John Gates said that Joe’s family “will need a lot of time to come to terms with his loss”.

He said they had gathered after “another tragic death” which had “no sense or no meaning” and which left loved ones “with many what if’s”.

Father Gates told mourners that Joe Dorman was also known for his “generosity of spirit”.

In the homily, Father Gates added that the Dorman family “greatly appreciated the support and messages of love from the community” after Joe’s sudden passing.

"A sudden and tragic death reminds us that we know not the day or the hour,” added Father Gates.

At the end of the homily Father Gates again encouraged “young men (by which I mean under 60) to talk to someone, because I know many have problems talking about their problems”.

Tragic Joe Dorman is described as the “beloved partner of Ciara and loving father of Michéal, grandfather of Don and Ivy, son of the late Desmond and Irene and dear brother of Anne-Marie, Michael and Teresa McGlone and brother in law of Jayne and Henry”.

Mr Dorman was buried in the cemetery at Church of St. John Milltown.

Sympathy for Mr Dorman has poured in online.

Anyone who feels they are struggling with their emotions is asked to contact Lifeline here.

You can also call 0808 808 8000.

Tributes were paid on social media by O'Donovan Rossa GAC Magherafelt .

"Deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Joe Dorman, RIP on his sudden passing yesterday,” they said.

"Joe was a former player with the club while his son Michéal was a member of the 2010 minor championship winning panel and his brother Michael is also a former player.

"The town has sadly lost another character.”

Over the weekend popular bars revealed they were closing their doors as a mark of respect.

On January 7 Mary’s Bar in Magherafelt posted: “Due to a family bereavement Mary’s Bar will close at 5pm today.

"We will also be closed Sunday 8th January.”

Another post from Dormans Bar on January 7, also in Magherafelt, said: “Due to a family bereavement Dormans Bar will close at 5pm today. We will also be closed Sunday 8th January.”

Around 500 messages of sympathy have been posted on the undertakers notice.

They include: “Heartbreaking news.Joe was a gentleman,never passed you.Thinking of all his family and friends at this sad time.Rest in peace Joe”,

“Completely shocked and saddened to hear this devastating news today such a tragic loss on so many levels .. Rest In Peace Big Joe … sincere and heartfelt condolences to all of Joes family extended family and friends .. why oh why ..???”, “Very sad to hear this news. Joe Dorman was part of my youth. His pub Nitos was thee spot when I was 18. Many a brilliant night we had in there. Condolences to his whole family” and “Always a big broad smile on his face and took time to stop for a chat, may you rest easy Joe in the arms of Jesus. Condolences to all the family”