Barry Conroy, principal of St Oliver Plunkett's Primary School and Nursery Unit in Beragh, Co Tyrone, has died at the age of 49.

Mr Conroy had led the school since 2022. He was a past pupil and had taught there for more than 20 years before his appointment as principal.

He was also active in the local community. Mr Conroy was a former player and current coach with Beragh Red Knights GAA club and had served as club secretary. Within the Church of the Immaculate Conception, he served as a Minister of the Word.

Tributes have been paid by political representatives. Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley said Mr Conroy was a highly respected figure who was at the heart of the school and a committed member of the GAA club.

Sinn Féin councillor Róisín Devine Gallagher said she knew Mr Conroy and members of his family and that his loss would be felt deeply by family, friends and the school community.

SDLP councillor Bernard McGrath described Mr Conroy as a deeply respected man whose death would come as a great shock to all who knew him through his GAA and church involvement.

He is survived by his wife and children. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.