Team Tony has provided a legacy that has empowered a community to come together in unity and support. We, the family of Tony Fitzpatrick would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to all those within our community and beyond. Tony was an amazing child who touched the hearts of many with his beautiful smile and ability to just live simply and happily in each moment gifted from God.

We would like to thank everyone who prayed for Tony throughout his cancer journey and those who continue to pray for our families following Tony’s passing. The love, prayers and support of everyone near and far has helped us immensely as we navigate through these heart-broken times. We are eternally grateful to all those who called to the house to see Tony, sent cards and messages offering their sympathies. For all the masses offered up for Tony and our family, we thank you for your thoughtful consideration. To all our friends, neighbours and relatives who prepared and provided food for the wake, your kindness and hospitality was very much appreciated.

To the stewards from O’Donovan Rossa for marshalling vehicles, running buses and general assistance throughout the wake, we thank you sincerely. To St Pius X School for the use of its car park for those attending the wake, we thank you whole heartedly for your amazing gesture. Tony enjoyed your summer camps and loved walking to the pitch to train with his Rossa teammates.

A special thanks to Fr Gates and Fr Juan for their friendship and spiritual guidance throughout Tony’s journey. The words spoken at Tonys funeral, reflected his personality in so many ways, conveying his fun-loving, vibrant traits with such a kind, caring and compassionate manner and will live in our hearts forever. The singing by Carole Shivers and music by Peter McErlain and Sean Scullion, which was beautifully delivered, managed to emanate so many emotions that words could not do justice, thank you for sharing your amazing talents at Tonys funeral mass.

To the staff and Governors of Holy Family Primary School, opening your doors to provide a venue for the catering allowed us to share the loving, happy atmosphere where Tony spent most of his childhood, to be able to walk in his footsteps for those few hours was a very fitting way to finish the celebration of Tony’s life. We are indebted and eternally grateful to all those associated with HFPS for your unwavering, courteous support and thoughtfulness.

Many thanks to the Bryson family, whom without hesitation provided refreshments after the funeral. Their willingness to help is a testament to the community to which Tony belonged.

We are truly, grateful to O’Donovan Rossa GAC for all your assistance and compassion shown over this difficult time. Tony lived for football and ‘Rossa’ with his teammates. We are fortunate to be part of such a fantastic club, at the heart of the community. To Moyola Park AFC Youth, you always kept Tony’s dream to be the next ‘Mo Salah’ alive, thank you for encouraging and supporting his dream.

Many thanks to McCusker Bros Funeral Directors, for their courteous and professional services offered during the wake and funeral. The advice and support provided steered us through this emotional time.

To all those caregivers and hospital staff working under the NHS, thank you for the hard work, dedication and commitment to caring for, not only our wee Tony, but all those in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. For those working relentlessly for the various cancer charities that supported us, your services are invaluable to those that require it, many thanks.

Quite simply there are not enough words to describe how grateful we are to everyone who has reached out to us. It has been overwhelming and without doubt the goodness of people has carried us through the most challenging 6 months of our lives. Knowing that Tony is now watching over us all from a better place gives us consolation that we have our own little Saint in Heaven who will continue to guide us through life’s challenges. We will keep you all in our prayers forever more and take strength from the words ‘Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry’, which Tony recited daily.

Love and God Bless

The Fitzpatrick family

Tony’s Months mind will be held on Saturday 26th Oct at 11am in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Magherafelt