Tributes as popular photographer Gary Foy passes away

There is widespread sadness following the death today of popular Twin Towns man Gary Foy.

Gary, 58, passed away following a recent illness.

He is survived by his wife Carmel, daughters Catherine and Sian, sons Conor and Ciaran, as well as a wide circle of family and many friends.

Gary (pictured above by colleague Joe Boland) will be remembered as a happy-go-lucky person who loved more than being behind the lens of a camera, following in the footsteps of his later father John.

Gary also loved shooting and was secretary of the Ulster Clay Target Shooting Association and founder of Clayshot Magazine.

Tributes are flowing in for Gary from many sports organisations across the county.

Mr Foy will be remembered as not someone who just loved sport, but also a person who also served sport.

Gary served as PRO with the Donegal League, Ballybofey United and the East Donegal Schoolboys, roles which he relished and served with the utmost professionalism.

Members of the Donegal League tonight paid tribute to Gary.

A spokesperson said “The Donegal Junior League is deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague Gary Foy, PRO of the Donegal Junior League.

“The news of Gary’s passing has come as a profound shock to everyone involved with the League. Since his election to the Executive Committee of the Donegal Junior League, Gary was an ever-present and hugely committed PRO. For many years, he worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the League, always ensuring that club reports were kept to the forefront and that the efforts of our clubs, players and volunteers were recognised.

“Gary worked closely with our sponsors and understood the importance of strong relationships in helping the League to develop and move forward. When opportunities arose to promote the League through the media, Gary took the necessary steps to ensure the Donegal Junior League received the coverage it deserved.

“Gary was an integral part of everything that happened within the League and was highly respected — not only for his abilities as PRO, but for his genuine eagerness to see the League, its clubs and its players thrive.

“In the coming days, much will be written about Gary, and many great stories will no doubt be recalled. He gave so generously of his time for the good of others.

“To his wife Carmel, daughters Catherine and Sian, and sons Conor and Ciaran and family we extend our deepest and sincerest condolences. May Gary Rest in Peace.”

Drumoghill FC are among a number of clubs to pay tribute to Gary.

As a mark of respect, the Donegal League have postponed all of their games this weekend.

A spokesperson for Drumoghil FC said “Everyone at Drumoghill FC were saddened to hear the news earlier today that Gary Foy had passed away.

“Gary had been a long-time member of the Donegal League executive and was a regular visitor to The Moss.

“Gary was always willing to help the club with various initiatives over the years and will be sadly missed. His most notable contributions were during the weekend of our new pitch opening in 2015 when he went out of his way to capture many images and printed souvenirs to mark the occasion.

“His passing comes just a day short of his birthday and we send our condolences to Gary’s family and friends, and to his colleagues on the Donegal League Executive.”

A spokesperson for the Ulster Clay Target Shooting Association said “It is with great sadness that we the committee of the UCTSA announce the passing of Gary, our esteemed friend and secretary.

“Gary was a great ambassador for our sport and worked tirelessly to promote the association in his post as secretary and via his magazine, he also represented our Ulster members on the ICTSA executive and was a proud member of the Ireland DTL team in his earlier years. He always did his best to bring new junior members into our sport as well as sponsoring trophies.”

Gary was also a huge Finn Harps fan and covered the team from the sideline with some outstanding images down through the years.

Finn Harps chairman Ian Harkin said ““Gary was a great servant to football in Donegal and a regular face at Finn Park just like his dad before him, always promoting the game with professionalism and warmth.

“His contribution to the sport will be fondly remembered by all of us at Finn Harps.”

Click here to read article