Rory FRIEL

Such a privilege to say I was coached by Mr. Friel. I was part of the inter squad that just recently won the all Ireland title. Mr Friel always supported me through thick and thin, on and off the track. He always seen my potential even when I doubted how much more I could give. Mr Friel was never just a coach or a teacher in school. Mr. Friel has not just affected me as an athlete but as a person, with life lessons that will be instilled with me for life. My thoughts are with the entire Friel family but especially Mark, Nicola and Charlotte who we heard many of stories about. Training and races will never be the same without Mr. Friel. RIP Sir/ Coach/ Mr. Friel

Grace Susay and Kevin Quinn would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Rory’s family and friends on the sad passing of Rory. We were colleagues of Rory during his time at Shimna Integrated College.

It could be the dreariest, greyest Monday morning in the middle of winter, yet Rory would always come bouncing into the staff room with stories of his busy weekend—coaching, playing golf, and always keeping active while enjoying life to the full. His great positive outlook lifted everyone’s spirits. He will be deeply missed—a big loss.

Met Rory onthe greenore golf course two years in a row at the same hole and he played with us. The next year he got us on royal county down with eamonn burns (rip). He was real gentlemen , funny, competive, and an all around good guy. Myself and my friend Chip Clausen were not close to Rory but he treated us great, and we treated him great. Go play some golf in heaven, and rest in peace pal

So sad to learn of Rory’s passing.
A great servant to the athletics community across Ireland and I’ve many fond memories of driving back from Irish Schools trips as his passenger!
Sincere condolences to all his loving family circle may he rest in peace.

We were very sorry to hear about Rory’s death.
Sincere sympathies to all the Friel family
We loved to meet him when he came to Toronto. He was always so positive and enthusiast about everything.
May he rest in peace

I wanted to pass on my deepest condolences at the passing of Rory. Rory was my running coach from 15 to 17 back in 2000. Running was the first competitive sport I took up and I looked up to Rory immensely. I always remember how generous he was with his time, driving to Belfast twice a week after a days work to give up his time for others. I was touched to find out many years later Rory had kept a letter I wrote him when I had to quit. He was someone who was very thoughtful and caring of others. Sending my thoughts and condolences to Rory’s family and friends, of which there will be many.
RIP Rory

Aoife, Joe and Rory’s extended family. With heartfelt condolences. May peace and comfort find you.

Condolences to you Nicola and Mark, to your families and to Rory's extended family.
It was a beautiful Requiem Mass and I hope you can derive some comfort from the outpouring of love for Rory and the obvious esteem in which so many people held him.
I remember Rory as someone who always came to greet you with a smile and a story to tell, whether I met him in Donegal, Dublin or Glasgow. May your memories of him bring you some comfort at this time. RIP

I am deeply heartbroken for your loss. May you find peace on the other side of sorrow. There are places in our souls that can only be healed by the gentle hands of time. Rory’s life’s wisdom, and deep love for his family will stay in my heart forever. His loss is deeply felt.

Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Rory. We were unable to attend the funeral in person, but we watched from home and felt privileged to share in the beautiful service. May he Rest in Peace!

Sending much love and condolences to Rory's children and granddaughter and to all his siblings and their families.
I first met my cousin Rory when he brought an athletics team to Corby about 35years ago to take part in local competitions and will always remember him as that vibrant young man, full of humour, joy and zest for life. I remember too how committed he was to his young team, ensuring that they gave of their best, supported one another and cared for each other.
Rory I will never forget you. You will always be in my prayers as you head towards that eternal light. May God bless you, Rory, and may you rest in peace.Amen.

Sincere condolences to Aoife, Joe & family and the entire Friel family on the untimely passing of Rory. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace

Sincere condolences on your loss. Rory gave freely of his time and energy to athletics especially schools athletics He will be greatly missed. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam.

My heartfelt condolences to you Aoife, Rory's family and your siblings on the sad loss of Rory. May your happy memories of an inspiring and really caring Dad and brother give you strength, peace & comfort. Rest in heavenly peace now Rory. You've left a wonderful legacy.

Deepest sympathy to the Friel Family, Friends, Colleagues and Athletes from the Committee of Clonliffe Harriers AC.

To Nicola & Mark, so very sorry on the loss of your beloved dad, may he rest in peace

Sincere condolences to Nicola following the passing of your father, may he rest in peace.
Michael O'Shaughnessy formally of Openhydro

Over the past year, I had the privilege of training and racing with Mr Friel. Although I was never one of the most talented runners in the team, he never stopped encouraging me to keep going and to push to improve. His encouragement meant the world to me, last December when the xc team came to my local parkrun, I was able to beat my PB, no doubt due to Mr Friel's support, dedication and coaching. Mr Friel was an expert. For every session, he could meticulously tell you the time you should be hitting at a given point on the track. He could tell you the mechanics and form of a perfect runner, as well as having an outstanding leadership ability, making people feel included and part of a team.

Mr Friel was a man who dedicated so much to cross country and athletics, decades before I had the privilege of training with him. I admired his total commitment to making the long journey, particularly on weekends to Kilbroney and Castlewellan, all to train us. He dedicated 3 to 4 days a week to training and this meant we grew a special bond with him. Our experience last March in Galway was a testament to his dedication and expertise. He was so proud of the Inter and Minor teams who won All Ireland titles, all crowned with the school winning the overall award, feats that would not have been possible without Mr Friel.

I will miss his deeply personal approach to training. Sessions won't be the same without his warmth. My thoughts are with the entire Friel family, may he rest in peace.

Rory will be remembered by all of us in the running community. His passion for the sport was unmatched, and many’s the chat was had in a mucky field or trackside over the years. His genuine care for athletes is what stood him apart. We have all been better off for meeting Rory. He will be sorely missed

Deepest sympathy to the family of Rory. It was always great to chat to him at various running events and he was always very kind to my son and I. Rest in Peace Rory.

Sincere condolences to the Friel family on the sad death of Rory . He taught our boys athletes in St Colmans . He was a gentleman. His dedication and care for his pupils was exemplary . May he rest in peace.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam .

Sincere condolences to Grainne and all the Friel family on the untimely passing of Rory. We will miss his steady hand on the stopwatch at the finish line at the Irish Schools. May his gentle soul rest in peace
Mary Ashe Munster Schools Athletics

Deepest sympathies to Rory’s family & friends. He gave so much of his time & energy to Ulster Schools’ athletics & in particular District A. Rory’s enthusiasm was infectious & he had a positive influence on so many people’s lives. He held many positions on committees, & was always on hand to help on the track or XC course, nothing too much trouble. Rest in peace Rory.

Sincere condolences to Grainne and all of Rory's close and extended family. Rory's enthusiasm knew no bounds particularly when it came to all branches of schools athletics. His commitment to coaching, officiating and administration never diminished throughout his many years in the sport. May Rory now rest in peace.

Condolences to Nicola, Mark and entire family on Rory's passing. A true gentleman who lived life to the full and was blessed with a good nature, warmth, positivity and seldom without a smile.Thank you for nurturing the athletics talent in the many young people you worked with over the years. Rest in peace Rory.

Rip Mr Friel some great memories from school days at st colmans Ballynahinch & the trips to Gateshead with Annadale striders . 🙏🏻🙏🏻

I have very Found Memories of Mr Friel in Shimna College. He was truly great at his job and always vested himself in the best of his pupils. It's because of Mr Friel's passion I had the Opportunity to run for NI in many races and still have my Ulster Gold Medal for Cross Country! Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

It was with shock and sadness to hear of the passing of Rory this morning. Rory was the first teacher to actively encourage pupils to try out for the NI & Ulster mountain running teams and I always enjoyed talking to him about his own athletes successes and discussing and working with him in Down Schools Athletics. I will miss him and my thoughts and prayers are very much with his family at this time.

Sincere heartfelt condolences Nicola Mark &all Rory's family on the passing of your Dad, brother.
Such a lovely man who adored his daughter Nicola and son Mark.
He loved life and lived it to the full.
May you rest in peace Rory

So sorry to hear of Rory's passing, he was a tireless advocate of schools athletics and will be sorely missed. There was many a "debate" had over the years but despite the outcome the next time we met there was always a smile. Rest in peace Rory.