THERE has been an outpouring of grief and sadness in Enniskillen and Fermanagh following the sudden death of “avid rally fan and navigator” Stephen Duffy who passed away in the United States of America.
Formerly from Enniskillen, Mr Duffy passed away unexpectedly in Wellsboro in Pennsylvania, aged 52 years old.
Known for his love of motorsport, father-of-one Mr Duffy emigrated to the United States of America in 2000 where he continues to pursue his passion and love of rallying.
The Fermanagh community has rallied in support of the family, raising over £11,600 within a few days of the GoFundMe page being set up.
“Another member of our rally family has passed through the final control, Stevie ‘Duff’ Duffy,” Letterkenny rally driver, Neil McDaid, posted in a heartfelt tribute.
“A lifelong, avid rally fan and navigator, Stevie was originally from Enniskillen.
“After emigrating to the USA from Ireland in 2000, he stopped first in NYC [New York City] for some years before eventually moving to the Wellsboro area in Pennsylvania.
“We would always look forward to meeting up with Stevie when we made the trek down to Wellsboro for the STPR [Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally] Rally.
“You could be sure he would always greet you with a hand out and a smile, and a good chat.”
The Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally, part of the American Rally Association, extended its condolences to the family.
“The STPR committee extends our sympathy to the family and friends of ‘Duff’ [Steven Duffy]. It’s never easy when the rally community loses someone it affects everyone,” they posted on Facebook.
Mr Duffy is survived by his son Eoin, his mother Susan, his sister Jacqui Boyd, his girlfriend Becky and his ex-wife Michele (Tommy).
He is predeceased by his father John and his brother Trevor.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere