The small County Tyrone village of Beragh is mourning the sudden death of Barry Conroy, principal of St Oliver Plunkett's Primary School.

Mr Conroy, aged 49, died unexpectedly last week. He was widely known locally for his leadership in education and his long involvement with Beragh Red Knights GAA club.

Gerard Treacy, a close friend who served as groomsman at Mr Conroy's wedding in 2009, spoke of the guidance his friend provided during some of the club's most challenging periods. These included the 2011 murder of PSNI officer Ronan Kerr, two separate fatal road collisions in the area, and major flooding.

Mr Conroy played for the club at every level before moving into coaching and administration. He held the position of club secretary from 2003 to 2005.

Mr Treacy described their close working relationship, often talking multiple times a day, and said it was an honour to be part of his wedding.

Mr Conroy believed strongly that schools and sports clubs share a duty to help young people develop, Mr Treacy said. He worked to improve facilities at the club and saw youth development as key to social cohesion in the rural parish.

In recent years, Mr Conroy had been coaching underage girls’ teams. Mr Treacy said his friend considered that role a welcome break from the pressures of being a school principal.

The late principal’s commitment extended to guiding children in education, sport, culture, the arts and faith, ensuring each pupil progressed confidently to the next stage of life, Mr Treacy added.