Adam Hegarty: 'People seemed to love him no matter where he went' - Funeral hears Adam died in 'tragic diabetic accident' on birthday night out with friends in Carlingford

He died suddenly on December 6, 2025 and was the ‘much loved son of Noel and Caroline and brother of Jack and Ellen just hours after scoring a try at Armagh Rugby Club’s Second XV against Dungannon.

Addressing a packed congregation in Saint Colman’s Church, Shinn outside Newry, Canon John Kearney said: ‘Where does one begin to tell the story of Adam’s life, born 23 years ago, his birthday was on Saturday last and went out to Carlingford with his friends to celebrate the occasion.

‘Adam always had a great outlook on life and did many things, he was coping well with his diabetes, but little did anyone think that an unexpected flair in the middle of his birthday celebrations could have had such tragic consequences, a freak accident’.

The cleric added that as he stood at the front door of Adam’s home ‘on Rock Road’ waiting for his coffin ‘it struck me fewer burdens in life are heavier than the coffin of your son, your brother or your best friend on your shoulders’.

‘Our hearts go out today to Adam’s family and to the friends who shared the adventure of his young manhood,’ said the cleric.

Later, addressing the congregation, Adam’s Great Uncle, known as ‘Deacon Andy’ said: ‘Adam had a great love for farming from a very, very early age.

‘I think, at the age of four, he learned from Granda Oliver how to drive the tractor, not sure he’d get away with that in these days.

‘And he used to take a week off school just to sit on the fence to watch the farmers taking in the silage.

‘These are the things that really sparks a memory with people here.

‘Adam sat on the fence to he was 14, and then all of a sudden he jumped off the fence and he got stuck in and helped them with it, and from that day forward, he always was part of the silage in put on the farm.”

Deacon Andy added that Adam had ‘a great love for the animals as well’ and even as a child ‘with his first communion money he went and bought a calf and the name of it was Milko’.

Adding that many people in the congregation were from the rugby community and that his father Noel ‘had a passion for taking him to the rugby’.

‘He was the sort of a father that any of us would have dreamed to have’ and ‘he became more than just a son’.

‘I think the life he lived, whether it’s to 200 or was to 23, life’s very short, and sometimes we don’t appreciate the length of time we have.

‘He did live it out to the full.

‘Adam was that sort of a person, that he was easy to get along with. People seemed to love him no matter where he went.’

Canon McKearney added that Adam ‘was above all else, a people person’.

‘He loved to meet people, to talk to them about anything that interested them, and no doubt he would tell his friends and colleagues, wait till I tell you what I heard.

‘But he was always at ease with people, and they were always at ease with him.

‘He was the kind of man who was welcome in any group, because he always added to the occasion.

‘He had a great sense of humour and there were no pretensions about him.

‘He didn’t mind whether you were a prince or a pauper. He was always himself. He was the same to everyone, because he was secure in his own personality.

‘He knew many people all over the country, and always saw the funny side of things.

‘To you his family, it is only natural that your hearts are broken with his sudden and unexpected going to you also his friends, we journey with you in your loss, but I stand here this morning in admiration of you all for the loyalty, for the support and the friendship that you have shown to Adam and his family in these recent difficult days.

‘You have helped more than you will ever realise,’ he added.

Earlier today a post from Instonians Rugby Club said: ‘This Saturday’s 1XV and 2XV fixtures vs City of Armagh have been postponed following the sudden passing of City of Armagh senior player Adam Hegarty.

‘Instonians RFC extends our deepest and sincerest condolences to the Hegarty family, Adam’s friends and teammates, and everyone at City of Armagh RFC during this incredibly difficult time’.

And in a statement, City of Armagh Rugby Club said he’ll be remembered as a “true gentleman” by all who knew him.

‘City of Armagh RFC are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of senior player, Adam Hegarty.

‘Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Hegarty family and to all of Adam’s friends and teammates at this incredibly difficult time.

‘Adam joined our club at youth level and progressed through the youth ranks before moving into our senior teams.

‘Adam was highly respected by coaches, teammates and all who knew him – both on and off the field.

‘A true gentleman who represented our club with pride.

‘He will be greatly missed by the entire City of Armagh RFC community’.

Also paying tribute, Ulster Rugby posted: ‘Ulster Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of City of Armagh RFC senior player, Adam Hegarty.

‘Our heartfelt thoughts are with the Hegarty family, Adam’s friends and teammates, and the entire City of Armagh RFC community at this incredibly difficult time’.

Newry Rugby Club also posted: ‘Newry Rugby Club are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of former player Adam Hegarty.

‘Adam played in our youth teams for many years and was a very talented rugby player.

‘The club would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Adams family, Noel, Caroline, Jack, and Ellen.

‘We also keep in our thoughts and prayers Adam’s friends and teammates in Newry and Armagh.

‘RIP my friend’

Meanwhile Dungannon Rugby Club posted: ‘Dungannon Football Club would like to send our deepest sympathies to the members and players of City of Armagh RFC on the sad passing of their 2nd XV player Adam Hegarty after our game yesterday.

‘Everyone will be in our thoughts and prayers over the coming days, weeks and months’.

And Letterkenny Rugby Club said: ‘Letterkenny RFC would like to extend our deepest condolences to everyone at City of Armagh RFC on the tragic passing of Adam Hegarty.

‘Our thoughts and sympathies are with the Hegarty family, Adam’s friends, teammates, coaches, and the entire Armagh rugby community at this heartbreaking time.

‘Adam’s contribution to your club, from youth level through to the senior ranks, speaks to the character and commitment of a young man who clearly made a meaningful impact on all who knew him.

‘May he rest in peace, and may those who loved him find strength and support in the days ahead.

‘From all at Letterkenny RFC — our hearts are with you.’

Meanwhile Rainey RFC also said: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Adam Hegarty from Armagh RFC.

‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates and the entire Armagh rugby community during this incredibly difficult time.

‘Our thoughts are with all who are grieving his loss. May he rest in peace.’

Meanwhile, Henry Joy McCracken’s Moneymore GAC, also pay tribute to Adam Hegarty.

In a post they say: ‘The committee, players and members of Henry Joy McCrackens GAC, Moneymore are sorry to learn of the passing of Adam Hegarty (Saval, Newry) grandson of Brendan and Peggy Hegarty (Market St. Moneymore).

‘We wish to take this opportunity to pass on our heartfelt sympathy to Peggy and Brendan and to all his family members at this sad time.

‘May Adam rest in eternal peace’.

Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.