Several hundred people attended the funeral on Thursday of James 'Jimmy' Kelly, a former school principal and GAA manager whose community involvement in Gortin spanned more than five decades.

Known locally as 'The Master', Kelly was a native of Draperstown and built a career in education, serving as principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Greencastle during the 1980s and 1990s.

A spokesperson for the school said he was loved by his pupils and his quiet dedication to the community would be remembered.

Kelly also served as principal of St Joseph's Secondary School in Plumbridge.

Beyond education, he was involved in establishing a youth club for young people in Gortin during the 1970s.

Shortly after arriving in Gortin, Kelly became involved with St Patrick's GAA Club. He managed the men's team from intermediate ranks to senior football in 1978, a period that included an appearance in the Tyrone Senior Football Championship final in 1985.

He later managed Badoney Ladies in the 1990s and served on the ladies club committee.

Gortin St Patrick's stated Kelly had been heavily involved in the club over many decades.