Tributes paid as Dungannon man Marc MacKay laid to rest

Marc was last seen on 3rd August in Harbour area of Portrush and his family had become increasingly concerned about him. Police said they were not treating the 24-year-olds death as suspicious.

A past pupil of Drumglass High School in the town, Marc was described by many on social networking site Facebook as ‘a gentleman’ and ‘amazing friend.’

One heartbroken friend wrote: “Until today it has only properly hit me I have lost one of my closest friends a true genuine as they come fella, had nothing but great times and laughs the craic we had was top class. You’ve left great memories just wish we had more but I am nothing but thankful for the time we shared together R.I.P Marc Mackay.”

Another friend wrote about the great influence Marc had on his life saying: “You had such a big influence on so many people’s lives and I’m glad to say mine was one of them. You will be sorely missed by so many people! Rest in peace pal.”

Those thoughts were echoed by another friend of Marc’s who described him as a ‘true gentleman’: “Such awful news to hear today that the search for Marc has ended with the most tragic of outcomes. I never knew you to be anything less than a true gentleman. My deepest sympathies go out to Marc’s family and close friends on this, the hardest, most difficult of days. Rest in Peace Marc, all who knew you in any way are better for having been able to.”

Dungannon UUP Councillor Kenneth Reid said: “It has been a horrendous week for his mother, his brother Lee, his father, step-father and entire family.

“Not knowing whether they were ever going to find him and I know his mother prayed that the sea would bring her son back.”

Cllr Reid said the whole community had been touched by the tragic and sudden passing of a young man who was very popular in the area.

Marc was laid to rest in St. Andrew’s Parish Church, Killyman following funeral service in Laghey Methodist Church, Killyman.