NI rugby and GAA clubs pay tribute to young dad who died after 'devastatingly short illness'

Rugby and GAA clubs in Northern Ireland have paid tribute to their former player who passed away following a short illness.

There has been an outpouring of grief following the death of Tighearnán McLoughlin-Roche, a father-of-one from Greystones, Co Wicklow, who also spent part of his youth living and playing sport in Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

The 29-year-old passed away following a short illness at St. John’s Hospice, Wirral, and has been described as a devoted husband and father who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

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A notice on RIP.ie said: "Tighearnán McLoughlin Roche, Wirral, formerly Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Tullamore, Co. Offaly and Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.

"Peacefully at Wirral St. John’s Hospice on February 3rd 2026, aged 29, after a short illness bravely borne.

"Beloved husband of Ellie (Donnelly) and adored father of Ailbhe.

"Cherished son of Martina (McLoughlin) and David (Roche), and much-loved stepson of Joan (O’Hanlon).

"Dear brother of Rebecca, Ellen and Katie.

"Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, daughter, parents, sisters, mother and father-in-law Lynda and Martin, his grandmothers Mary McLoughlin and Paddy Roche, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

"The family would like to sincerely thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Wirral St. John’s Hospice for their exceptional care, kindness and support."

Tighearnán was a notable sportsman from a young age, having played for Rugby and GAA clubs across Ireland and in England, with many of these clubs taking to social media to pay tribute to him and express their sadness at his loss.

Dungannon Thomas Clarke GFA said: "The Officers, Committee, Players and Members of Thomas Clarke G.F.C. are saddened at the death of our former player Tighearnán "Offaly" Mcloughlin - Roche.

"Wife of Ellie, father of Ailbhe, son of Martina, David and Joan, brother of Rebecca, Ellen and Katie.

"Ar dhéis De go raibh anam uasal.

Dungannon Rugby Football Club said: "It’s with great sadness that Dungannon Rugby Club has learnt of the passing of past youth player Tighearńan “Offaly” McLoughlin - Roche.

"Our thoughts are with Tighearńan’s wife Ellie, daughter Aibhe and families."

Killyman St Mary's GFC said: "Killyman GFC are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of past youth player Tighearńan “Offaly” McLoughlin - Roche.

"During his time with our club, Tighearnan delivered Irish language classes, a tradition which we as a club are very proud of.

"Our thoughts are with Tighearńan’s wife Ellie, daughter Aibhe , his mother Martina, father David and the Roche and McLoughlin families at this very difficult time."

Birkenhead Park Rugby Club said: "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Tighearnán ‘Tig’ McLoughlin-Roche.

"Tig joined us 5 years ago when he moved to the area and will be deeply missed.

"Tig passed after bravely fighting a devastatingly short illness.

"All of our thoughts and prayers go out to Tig’s wife Ellie, daughter Aibhe and family."

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