This is one of the last images of the photographer Gary Crossan in action, high on the roof of St Paul’s in Bessbrook as he snapped pictures of Sam Maguire arriving at the school.
Mr Crossan, well known across south Down and Armagh for his school, wedding and portrait photographer, died suddenly on Friday.
Fourteen former players for the school walked behind Sam Maguire as it was carried to the school on September 6. All 14, either members of the playing panel or backroom, were joined by manager Kieran McGeeney.
Mr Crossan, a father-of-three, was laid to rest in St Patrick’s Cemetery in his native Banbridge on Monday following a funeral service in St Therese’s Church.
St Paul’s led the tributes following his sudden death, describing him as an “unofficial member of staff and a friend to everyone in St Paul’s”.
“His kind and approachable manner made him the perfect school photographer. Nervous pupils were encouraged to give Gary the perfect smile and everyone became ‘Luigi’ or ‘Chicken’ as he ensured the perfect moment was captured,” the school said, adding he was official photographer for nearly two decades.
Mr Crossan was a past pupil of St Patrick’s in Banbridge and also its official photographer. The school described him as “a beloved friend of our school community”.
“An exceptional talent, many of our staff and students will remember Gary fondly as a frequent visitor to our school, as he worked with each of our departments organising countless photoshoots over the years,” the school said.
“He was with us as we celebrated the successes of the Class of 2024 at our Senior Prizegiving and the following morning as we welcomed back the cohort of past pupils and colleagues who formed the backbone of the All-Ireland winning Armagh team.
“Gary was everywhere that morning, on the roof, on the stage, taking the original photos for the St Paul’s archive.”
The school added: “We share the shock and sadness of Gary’s family at his sudden death. His legacy as part of the St Paul’s family will live on through his beautiful photographs which adorn our corridors, our publications and online platforms as well as the many mantelpieces and walls of the homes of St Paul’s parents and grandparents where photos of our smiling pupils hang proudly.”
Mr Crossan is survived by his wife, Julie, children Rowen, Reesa and Rudy, his mother, father, brothers and sisters and wider family circle.
