Mr Sammy Sharvin

SAMMY Sharvin, of Islandbane Walk, Downpatrick, who died in hospital on July 26 at the age of 79, has been described as a true gentleman and one of life’s treasures.

Sammy was born in Killough on February 4, 1940, to Samuel and Cecelia Sharvin and always regarded himself as a Killough man.

He was a loving brother to Paddy, Brendan, Tommy, Vincey, Raymond, Oliver, Celie, Bernie, Mary and the late Willie, Dick and Gerard.

He left school at the age of 14 and went to work. He had various jobs, including at Killough brickworks where he worked for many years, on the roads and helping out at Montgomery’s farm.

He married his wife, Bernie, in 1964 and the couple went on to have ten children — Pauline, Brenda, Trisha, Jenny, Caroline, Mickey, Ursula, Kieran, David and the late Darren.

Sammy’s true vocation in life was as a dad, granddad and great granddad. He was devoted to his family, who, in turn, focused on looking after him following his wife’s death 12 years ago.

Sammy loved darts and was one of Downpatrick’s greatest players. He and Bernie played in the local darts league for many years. Sammy continued playing competitively up until his 78th birthday last year and was the league’s oldest player.

He played for Mahon’s, McLeigh’s and Savage’s, and was highly respected by all of his team-mates. His other love was horse racing and he frequented Downpatrick Racecourse on many occasions. A keen sportsman, he also enjoyed Gaelic football and soccer, and attended many local games. He played soccer for Killough in his youth.

Sammy’s passion was for the outdoors and was a familiar face on local roads which he walked daily.

He will be sadly missed by his daughters, sons,18 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, extended family, friends and neighbours.