James Grimes, 85, and his son Emmett Grimes, 54, residents of Garvaghey Road near Ballygawley in Tyrone, were found dead at their home on Tuesday, March 10. PSNI detectives investigated the sudden deaths and stated after post-mortem examinations that they are not suspicious.

A joint requiem mass for the father and son is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at St Matthew’s Church in Garvaghey. James Grimes will be buried at St Patrick’s Cathedral Cemetery in Armagh. Emmett Grimes will be interred in the adjoining cemetery at St Matthew’s Church.

James Grimes worked as a builder and tradesman before retiring. Emmett Grimes ran an electrical business. In 1989, Emmett Grimes played on the Tyrone Vocational Schools team that won the All-Ireland title.

Parish priest Fr Michael O’Dwyer said local people in the Errigal Ciaran parish are saddened by the sudden deaths. He noted community connections in Beragh, where James Grimes originated, and in Eskra.

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine expressed thoughts with the family over the loss of two members. Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew said the deaths shocked the local community and offered thoughts to family and friends. West Tyrone MP Órfhlaith Begley called it tragic news for the community.