Tributes paid to victim of shoot tragedy

Tributes paid to victim of shoot tragedy

27 July 2016

THE funeral takes place this morning of Mr Terry Fitzsimons who died in a tragic accident during a clay pigeon shoot outside Downpatrick last weekend.

A service of Requiem Mass will be held at St Patrick’s and St Joseph’s Church in Ballykinlar at 10.30am, with burial taking place in the adjoining cemetery. The cortege will leave for the church from the home of one of Mr Fitzsimons son’s at The Links in the village at 10am.

Mr Fitzsimons — who has been described as a “quiet gentleman” — was taking part in a clay pigeon shoot at Lough Money outside Downpatrick last Sunday when he died following what police have described as a “tragic accident.” 

The weekend incident has prompted calls for a review of safety measures at clay pigeon shoots, and the PSNI has confirmed while it is conducting a full investigation into the circumstances of the death of Mr Fitzsimons “initial enquiries would indicate this to be a tragic accident.”

A number of local politicians have extended their sympathy to the Fitzsimons family, including South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and councillors Gareth Sharvin, Dermot Curran and Terry Andrews. 

Miss Ritchie said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of the tragic death of Mr Fitzsimons, who was in his 60s and a father of seven.

The MP added: “Undoubtedly, the family and friends of this man are experiencing unspeakable grief at this time. My deepest sympathies go to them and to the friends, relatives and associates of Mr Fitzsimons. 

“The local community in Downpatrick and further afield will stand shoulder to shoulder with the family of the bereaved and friends as a means of unequivocal support and solidarity at this tragic time.”

Extending his sympathies to the Fitzsimons family, councillor Sharvin said his thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad and distressing time.

“I grew up around Terry’s children Terri, Kevin, Ryan and Adrian, and know the family extremely well,” he said. “No words can express how the family is feeling at this difficult time and I know the local community in Ballykinlar are rallying around them to provide the support they need. I don’t think what actually happened last weekend has sunk in. A family has lost a father and grandfather and it will take time to get over this.” 

Councillor Sharvin has also requested that there is a review of safety measures at clay pigeon shooting events following last weekend’s accident and sad loss of life, adding: “I definitely think safety measures need to be looked at.”

Councillors Curran and Andrews said the thoughts and prayers of many people across the district are with the Fitzsimons family at this sad time.

Councillor Curran added: “This was a tragic accident and our hearts go out to the Fitzsimons family. I hope they can take some comfort from the fact that they are being remembered in the prayers of many people.

“This incident has shocked the entire community. The Fitzsimons family is well known in the area and Terry was known as a quiet gentleman. All our thoughts are with his relatives at this time as they try to come to terms with their loss.”

Mr Fitzsimons, who was predeceased by his wife Marie, is survived by his children Ryan, Terri, Kevin, Adrian, Terry, Margaret and Gerard, sister Mary, brother Martin and a wide family circle.