Tributes paid to ‘Mr North West’

THE greens and fairways of North West Golf Club will lie empty tomorrow as a mark of respect to the club’s much-loved pro Seamus McBriarty, who passed away on Monday after a short illness. Club secretary Eugene O’Connell yesterday paid tribute to Mr McBriarty, from Aghilly, Buncrana, who he fondly called “Mr North West Golf Club”. “Seamus had been part of the furniture here for the best part of forty years,” Mr O’Connell said, “and we really don’t know what we are going to do without him. “Everyone is in shock. Members have been coming in all day in tears. “I still can’t take in the fact that he’s not here this morning. “We just assumed he would always be there, and it’s very hard to come to terms with the fact that we’ll never see him again.” Mr McBriarty, who was in his fifties, was a popular figure at the club since coming on board in the early 70s. Mr O’Connell said: “Seamus made such a huge contribution to the club. “He orgainsed competitions and away trips, and had a great way with everyone, whether young or old. “The craic and banter with him was great. He had a keen interest in music and fishing as well as golf, and quite simply, he was a normal, down-to-earth man who loved life.” The past captains and presidents of the club will form a guard of honour at Mr McBriarty’s requiem mass, which will be held at Cockhill church tomorrow morning (Thursday) at 11am. Mr O’Connell added: “The club would like to express our deepest sympathy to Seamus’ wife Brid, his daughter Bronagh and son Oran on their sad loss. “He will be sadly missed by everyone at the club. It will never be the same without him.”