Taylor Hill Banbridge: Mother pays tribute after death of GAA player son 'who had it all'
A heartbroken Banbridge mother has paid tribute to the beloved son who "had it all" ahead of his funeral tomorrow.
Anna Hill, from the Rowanvale area of the town, was speaking after her son Taylor passed away on Saturday.
A former pupil at St Colman's College in Newry, he was a talented GAA player and an employee at Banbridge company Alternative Heat Ltd.
A family notice said he was a "treasured son" of Anna and Rory, brother of Cathal, Conál and Ollie and grandson of Kenny and Patricia McGrath and George and Geraldine Hill.
In a social media post just before 5pm on Saturday, his mother Anna said she was "absolutely heartbroken" and that Taylor had sadly passed away at 11.49 that morning.
"I am so proud to be his mum; he never knew how fully loved he was by so many," she said. "He had it all: smart, funny, hard working and a super skilled footballer, very handsome with the brightest smile. We will treasure the amazing memories of him forever. Taylor you will forever be in our hearts and most certainly never be forgotten."
His GAA club, Clann na Banna CLG, said he was "a valued member of our Senior Men’s team, a teammate and a friend, and a kind and much loved young man who was so well thought of by everyone who knew him".
"Taylor was everything you could ask for in a young footballer — hardworking, quiet and unassuming, and always willing to listen, learn and improve. But beneath that quiet nature was a fierce competitor.”
Over the past four years, it said, he was an important member of the senior team, playing a vital role the run to the Intermediate Championship final in 2024. Last Monday he played his part in the victory over Ballyholland that secured Division 2 football for the team in 2027.
The club added that he wasn't simply a talented footballer. “He was one of our own, a young man who had grown up through every level of our club and who had become such an important part of our senior team and our wider club family.”
It added: “At times like this, football becomes completely insignificant and what matters is being there for one another. In the days, weeks and months ahead, we ask our members to keep Taylor’s family close, to look after his teammates and friends, and above all, to look after each other. Taylor was deeply loved, and he will always have his place in the story of our club.”
Banbridge Town FC everyone at the club is saddened to hear of his death, having been a recent Banbridge Town Juniors player.
"A member of our successful 2004 age group, Taylor was a talented and much loved player, coming from a great sporting family, some of whom are still involved with the club today,” the club said. Taylor will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Hill and McGrath family circle at this incredibly difficult time.”
Taylor's employer said he was "a much-loved member of the Alternative Heat family" and that he was “kind, funny, unassuming and simply a pleasure to be around”.
His funeral is tomorrow, Wednesday 19 August at 1pm in St. Thérèse's Church, Banbridge.