BY RONAN McSHERRY

THE family and many friends of John Walker (65) of Beltany Road, Castletown are trying to come to terms with his untimely death on Monday morning.

Mr Walker, a retired farmer, was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking his dog on the main Omagh to Newtownstewart Road shortly before 9am. He was pronounced dead at the scene, a short distance from his home. Mr Walker's dog, Tosh, was also killed in the collision.

Mr Walker was one of the founding members of Mountjoy Football Club and was a former member of Eden Pipe Band.

POPULAR FIGURE

Stanley McCombe is a brother-in-law of the deceased man. He described Mr Walker as a very popular figure who had a great passion for life. He said, "John was a very fit man and loved walking. He would have been seen every day walking his dog in the Castletown area. He walked for miles every day and would have much preferred to walk around his farm than to take the tractor."

Mr McCombe added, "John's greatest love was his family. He had a great passion for life and a variety of interests. He was a very influential supporter of Mountjoy FC. As well he really enjoyed country music and played bowls in Mountjoy. John enjoyed the craic and was the life and soul of the community. He kept everyone going."

As Mr Walker's family struggle to come to terms with their loss, his brother -in-law concluded, "He was a great guy. You couldn't have met better."

Manager of Mountjoy FC, Richard Beckett who knew Mr Walker for many years paid tribute to the club's most dedicated member. He said, "Everyone at the club is very shocked and saddened. John was with the club since its foundation in 1974 and went on to serve on the committee. He rarely missed a home game and often travelled to away matches. It is very hard to take it in as John was there again on Saturday supporting the team."

Mr Walker is survived by his wife Georgina, daughter Lorraine and sons Leyland and Clint, grandchildren and large family circle.

It was the second tragedy to visit the Mountjoy community in a matter of days as the former Minsiter, Reverend Mairs of Mountjoy Presbyterian Church, passed away at the weekend.

Mr Walker's funeral takes place today at1.30pm at Mountjoy Presbyterian Church followed by interment in the adjoining graveyard.

Police have appealed for anyone with information on the fatality, who have not already come forward, to contact them on 0845 600 8000.