The 20-year-old lost his life after a three vehicle crash on St Stephen’s Day
Padraig McDonald(Image: John Donaghy Funeral Directors)
A young GAA player from Co Tyrone has been remembered as a “selfless lad” with a “kind heart” at his funeral. Padraig McDonald lost his life following a three-vehicle collision on Drum Road in Cookstown shortly before 12.40am on St Stephen’s Day.
The 20-year-old was from the Loughmacrory area, with a funeral notice describing him as a “cherished son”, “dear brother”, and “beloved grandson.”
Mr McDonald was a former youth player with Loch Mhic Ruairi Naomh Treasa CLG (St Teresa’s GAA club). As his remains returned home on Friday night, the cortege stopped at the team’s Pairc an Locha ground, where he picked up his jersey for the final time.
Mourners at the Requiem Mass for the young man at a packed St. Mary’s Church in Loughmacrory on Monday morning heard of Padraig’s selfless nature, his sporting achievements, love of farming, and how well-regarded he was as a member of the community.
Padraig’s brothers and sister presented different symbols at the altar, representing various aspects of his young life at the beginning of the Mass.
His brother Shan brought a Gaelic football up to represent Padraig’s years as a GAA player, achieving great success by winning back-to-back Ulster Cumann na mBunscols, a Grade 1 U14 League title (scoring a goal in the final), and a Grade 2 Minor League title.
An ornamental rock displaying a Friesian cow was brought to the altar by his brother DaithÃ, symbolising the rock Padraig was to his family, and his deep love of animals.
His sister Hanna brought up a tractor and motor, representing his love of farming and machinery, while his brother Pearse brought up a sod of grass from the family’s Drumduff farm.
During a moving homily, Fr Peter McAneney recalled seeing Padraig at mass on Christmas Day with his family, just hours before a “dark cloud was about to descend” on the community.
He said: “On Christmas morning, many of us gathered here in this church for the early morning mass as we celebrated the birth of Jesus. At the end of the mass, there was a wee bit of chat and fun with some of the children who were there, including Daithi McDonald. They delighted in telling us about what Santa had brought.
“Whilst most people were there for the start of the mass, there were also a few latecomers. One of them that caught my eye shortly after Mass had begun was Padraig McDonald, and I can still see him making his way up the aisle to slip into the seat and be with his mother, father, and the rest of his family as we celebrated the lovely feast of Christmas.
“There were a couple of times during the mass when I caught his eye, and I can still see the big smile on his face at the end of mass.
“Little do we think that having experienced such joy and happiness here in this church on Thursday morning, that such a dark cloud was about to descend, and such tragic news was about to unfold here in our community early on Friday morning.
“Over the last few days, there’s been such a sombre mood, and there’s been such a feeling of loss and great sadness, and so many people are so saddened at the loss of Padraig, so many have also been feeling so sorry for his family, and greatly upset at the great tragedy.
“As well as feeling great sadness at Padraig’s passing, we’ve also been feeling for the other lads who were involved in the accident, who remain in hospital.
“As I said at the masses here in the parish at the weekend, we pray that God may be close to them too and their families, and he give all of us courage and strength in the days and weeks to come.”
Padraig was remembered by teachers at his primary school, St Theresa’s, for his “gentle nature” and “kind heart”, and for his “caring, thoughtful, and respectful” nature.
For many years, his family has been closely associated with the local football club in Loughmacrory, with Padraig maintaining strong links with the club despite no longer being a player.
Fr McAneney added: “He volunteered when called upon and continued to help out in any way he could for the good and benefit of the community.
“This past year, Padraig and his family celebrated the All-Ireland success of his brother Pearse with the Tyrone under-17s. Like so many others, he was delighted to see the senior team reach the pinnacle of winning the O’Neill Cup a few weeks ago. He joined in the celebrations with the club and with the wider community.
“He played a big part in the build up to the final and helping to put up the flags and the bunting and he even painted a few of his own sheep, black and amber.
“The drivers in the club said last night that Padraig was such a selfless lad who offered help to so many without expecting any praise or credit, and he went on to say he will indeed be sorely missed.”
Recounting a story from Padraig’s mum, Kerry, Fr McAneney added: “She had been talking for some time about getting a new Christmas tree. Lo and behold, a van pulled in on the back street a couple of weeks ago and it had come all the way from Clogher.
“It was a surprise from Padraig, and it was not one but three lovely Christmas trees. One for his mother, one for his grandmother, and one for another family member.
“Whatever about the gift of trees, Kerry, what a gift you had in your young son, a young man who packed so much into the 20 years of his life, and someone whom you and Paddy and all the family can be justly proud of.”
Following the funeral service, Padraig was taken for burial in the adjoining cemetery of St. Mary’s Church. A funeral notice added: “Deeply regretted and will be sadly missed by his sorrowing parents, brothers, sister, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and extended family circle.”
Sign up to the Irish Mirror’s daily newsletter here and get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox.