Tributes are being paid to much loved Raphoe teenager Christian McCullagh who sadly passed away yesterday.
The popular 17-year-old from Beltany captured the hearts of many people when he received a much-needed donor kidney from his dad Gary back in 2012.
Christian, who was then aged just 5, went on to provide amazing inspiration for hundreds of children around Ireland as he led a full and active life.
Sadly, after a short illness, Christian passed away yesterday.
A proud student of Deele College, Raphoe, Christian passed away in the loving arms of his heartbroken parents Aileen and Gary, sister Rocha, brother Riley and family at Beaumont Hospital Dublin.
Many tributes have been paid to Christian who packed in so much to his relatively short life.
His teachers and school friends at Deele College led the tributes to the young man whom they described as ‘cheeky with an infectious smile.”
Deele College in Raphoe remembered Christian with great fondness.
“From the minute he came through our doors, he made a profound impact on his classmates, teachers, SNA’s, school management and on anyone else who had the privilege of meeting him. Christian was a remarkable young man who faced many challenges throughout his time with us.
“However, his strength of character and resilience in facing these challenges head on were a shining example to us all. Christian’s cheeky, infectious smile and his constant good humour brightened up many difficult days in Deele College. He had a very positive and can do attitude and he was always eager to get involved in all school activities, especially if it involved getting out of class.
“Christian and his constant partner, his SNA Ms Sharon Mc Laughlin could be found in any part of the school, at any time of the day and involved in any activity.
“While we were always aware of Christian’s medical history, we never expected his time in Deele College to come to such a sudden and unexpected end. We as a school community are utterly devastated by his passing. And on one of our most difficult days that cheeky infectious smile that helped cheer us up in the past was missing from our corridors.
“As we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate the sincere impact Christian had on our whole school community. His memory will live on in the hearts of his classmates, teachers, SNAs and school management.
“We will treasure these happy moments forever. We offer our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Christian’s family, his parents Aileen and Gary, his sister Rocha and his brother Riley, and the extended Mc Cullagh and Campbell families. Rest in Peace Christian.”
Raphoe Town FC also paid tribute to Christian, calling him a “wee warrior.”
“It is with our deepest and most profound sadness that we offer our heartfelt condolences to the McCullagh family – Gary, Aileen, Rocha and Riley on the sad passing of Christian.
“We all got to know and love Christian over the years, he was such a wee warrior who was a valued and beloved member of our community and his absence will be felt by all. The entire club and Raphoe community shares in your sorrow.
“To the McCullagh and Campbell families our deepest sympathy is extended. Please know that we are here for you all as you navigate this tremendous loss,” a spokesperson said.
And members of the charity The Bear Run 74 posted pictures of Christian during one of the times he came to visit the group and drive around in one of their cool cars.
Christian at one of The Bear Run 74’s car shows.
“I can’t believe am writing this post. Rest easy, my wee friend to we meet again. We know how much you love The Bear Run 74. We won’t ever forget you,” wrote Keith Gamble.
Christian will be lovingly and deeply missed by his parents Aileen and Gary, sister Rocha, brother Riley, Grandparents Jacqueline and Christy McCullagh, Mary Frances and the late Seamus Campbell, sadly missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins and all his extended family and friends.
Christian’s funeral arrangements are as follows:
Christian will repose at his late residence Beltany, Raphoe, Co Donegal F93H280 from Friday 12th September 12.00pm to 10.00pm and Saturday 13th September 12.00pm to 10.00pm with Rosary each evening at 9.00pm
The funeral cortege will leave his late residence on Sunday morning the 14th September at 10.30am travelling to St Eunan’s Church, Raphoe for 11.00am Requiem Mass followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
The Mass may be viewed on The Parish of Raphoe webcam via https://parishofraphoe.ie.
Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu if desired to the Irish Kidney Renal Support Centre at Beaumont Hospital or St Vincent de Paul, Raphoe Branch c/o any family member or Kelly’s Funeral Directors, Oakfield, Raphoe.
Tributes paid to inspiring Raphoe teenager Christian McCullagh was last modified: September 11th, 2025 by Staff Writer
Tags: