A MAN who helped build the busy M62 has died.

Ray McCullagh, 56, was one of the team of construction workers drafted in to build the trans-Pennine motorway.

He spent years working on the project, which many had deemed impossible because of the terrain and the weather.

Mr McCullagh, who lived in Paddock, came to Huddersfield from his native County Tyrone in Northern Ireland in 1969 to work on the motorway.

He was one of nine children of Joseph and Kate and followed his brother, Gerry, to the UK.

Gerry later set up his own construction company and both brothers were involved in many building projects over the years.

Mr McCullagh was a lover of Gaelic football.

He played the sport as a young man and was an avid fan of the Tyrone team.

One of the highlights for him was their triumph in 2003 in the All Ireland Final, the equivalent of the FA Cup Final.

He was a well-loved member of the Irish community in Huddersfield and was a member at both St Patrick's Catholic Centre and the Irish Centre.

He was married to Frances for 25 years and leaves two sons, Declan and Kevin, a daughter, Kathryn, and five grandchildren.

His funeral service took place yesterday at St Joseph's RC Church, Aspley.