A highly regarded Irvinestown man, Anthony Gormley, a well-known musician in the locality, who was best known for his performances of Johnny Cash songs, passed away unexpectedly last Monday morning, September 11. 

The much loved husband and father of four’s peaceful death, which followed a short illness, took place at the South West Acute Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Anthony, who was also fondly known as Tony, had just turned 69 on September 6, and he and his wife, Sharon, who were devoted to each other, were married 44 years on September 8.

Anthony was a big fan of Johnny Cash and enjoyed performing his music. He used to play guitar and sing, performing at local venues. 
People would have known him for his Johnny Cash music and he was often fondly known as “Cash” in tribute to the late American musician.

During his career, Anthony worked as an accomplished painter and decorator.

Born and bred in Irvinestown, at Castle Street, he was a son of the late Hugh Gormley and his late wife Olga, who was always known as Baby.
One in a family of eight, and a twin brother to Thom, he went to school in Irvinestown. His father was an electrician and also did decorating and he took Tony out with him.

The Gormley family went to London for a time, and Anthony worked over there, and it was where he met his wife. He worked for a man called Herbie Simpson and married Herbie’s daughter Sharon.

Having got married in England, two of their family, Samantha and Paul, were born across the water. They came back to Dromore initially and had two more children, twins Michael and Andrew. 

Anthony was a dedicated husband and father, being a great family man. He loved spending time with his 11 grandchildren. 

He and his wife Sharon were a very devoted couple, who were always together. One would never have been seen without the other, and they were due to go on holiday, but Anthony took sick.

As well as his passion for music and Johnny Cash, his interests including fishing. 

Anthony was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a number of years ago, but he still led as active a life as he possibly could. He did not let his condition hold him back.

His Requiem mass, led by Canon McGourty, was held at Sacred Heart Church, Irvinestown, last Wednesday morning. Burial was in the adjoining churchyard.

Anthony is survived by his wife Sharon; their four children: Samantha and husband, Liam; Paul and wife, Claire; Michael and wife, Sinead; and Andrew and wife, Bronagh. He also leaves his 11 grandchildren; his brother Thom; and his three sisters, Jenny, Dympna and Agnes. He was predeceased by his siblings John, Margaret and Mary.

The Gormley family are thankful to the community for their support at this time, also to the Bawnacre Centre, Mahon’s Hotel and Molly’s in Irvinestown, and they also acknowledge all the staff at SWAH for the care received by Anthony.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by by Funeral Director Claude McKervey, Erne Drive, Ederney. Donations in lieu are to the Critical Care Unit at the South West Acute Hospital, c/o Claude McKervey.