Fionntán McGarvey’s devastated parents said they would be relieved that his desire to donate his organs would provide other families hope at a time of their profound loss.
Police have opened a murder investigation after the death of the 18-year-old, who was allegedly assaulted in Belfast just after Christmas, on Thursday.
The alleged incident occurred outside a bar on Finaghy Road North at around 1am on Monday, December 27.
The network added that a 21-year-old man was arrested Thursday morning on suspicion of committing a murder and is currently being questioned.
The police also issued a statement on behalf of Fontane’s parents, Lorcan and Avene.
They said: “We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful son Fionntán, but are relieved that his desire to donate his organs will provide other families with hope at a time of our profound loss.
“The family is grateful for the many messages of sympathy and support we have received. We will ask for privacy at this most difficult time.”
Fionntán is also survived by his brothers Caolan and Daire, his sister Sorcha, and the wider family circle.
GAA and football clubs have honored the famous and talented young player, who was a member of the U20 and senior football team of St Brigids GAC in South Belfast.
«The club conveys its condolences to Fontan’s parents, Lorcan and Avene, brothers Colan and Dyer, and sister Sorcha.»
A club spokesperson said: «It is with great sadness that we announce the death of U20 senior football member, Fontaine McGarvey.
The young man also played for Queen’s University Belfast GAA.
In its honor on Thursday, the club said: «It is with great sadness that we learned this morning the death of one of our newest players, Fontaine McGarvey.
«Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Fontan’s friends, teammates, St Brigid Club and most of all his family at this most difficult time. All Queen’s GAA activities will cease immediately this evening.»
Further honors have been issued on behalf of the Aquinas Football Club to its former player.
The club said: “The committee, players and coaches at Aquinas Football Club would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of our player Fontaine McGarvey. Fontane has been a member of our senior and under-19 teams and has represented the club from the age of 7.»
A GAA Antrim spokesperson said: «Very sad news that Fontaine McGarvey has passed away. Terrible news for a very young person. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and everyone in their wider circle.»
(Photo: Aquinas FC)
Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Phelan said police believe Fountain was assaulted outside the licensed building at around 1 a.m. on December 27.
“Police attended and Fontan was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries. Tragically, despite treatment, he passed away this morning.
“I know there were a large number of people in the area at the time and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault, or has any information to provide.
“I also appeal to anyone with a cell phone or dash-cam footage that can help with queries to contact the police at 101 citing reference 184 on 12/27/21.
Any footage can be uploaded to the public portal of major accidents at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI22R01-PO1.
A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. «
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