Tragedy for family as married couple die from Covid on same day

Barney and Sarah (Blossom) McGlinchey from Greysteel were aged in their late 70s/early 80s.

The couple, had five children and seven grandchildren, passed away on Wednesday.

The McGlinchey family have expressed their gratitude to hospital staff who provided care and comfort to their parents, and for bring them together “for their final earthly journey”.

Launching a justgiving.com fundraising effort for the “amazing, caring and dedicated staff of the ICU and covid wards of Altnegelvin hospital,” the family said: “During this heartbreaking time our family have been indebted to the staff of Altnagelvin.

“They have provided comfort to our parents and the wider family. Endless phone calls and questions was never a problem. The treatment and care was outstanding and despite huge challenges they brought mummy and daddy together for their final earthly journey. For this we will be eternally grateful.”

By Friday afternoon the appeal had raised almost £1,200.

Responding to a tribute to the couple on the St Mary’s Faughanvale GAA Facebook page, one friend said: “Thoughts and prayers with all the family. Heartbreaking. Barney was such a gentleman with a smile and chat every time I met him and Blossom a lovely lady. God bless.”

Another said: “In our thoughts and prayers. Such sad news condolences to all the family. RIP Barney & Sarah a beautiful couple will be sadly missed from the Mckinney family.”

One well-wisher added: “Such a devastating loss to Greysteel. Barney & Sarah will be sadly missed by everyone”. ❤️

The message from the committee and members of the St Mary’s club said they were saddened to hear of the untimely passing of the much-loved couple, and added: “As a community, we offer our heartfelt sympathies to Dessie, Libby, Lynne, Clare, Sarah-Jayne, Michael, Eoin, Lucy, Joe, Isla, Hannah, Kate and the extended family.

“The couple were highly regarded in our community, Barney was a loyal supporter of not only our teams, but also our club initiatives, including the ‘Winter Walks’.

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