Tragic death of
Jake O'Donoghue

Innishannon is in a state of shock and sadness following the tragic death of 14-year-old Jake O'Donoghue. The Lawn, son of Sean and Ann, brother of Keith and sister's Stacey and Leanne. Jake was cycling with friends on Wednesday of last week, when an accident involving a car occurred at Dromkeen. He was taken by ambulance to CHU where he remained in a critical condition until his death on Friday. He was a very popular member of the Valley Rovers GAA Club and was captain of the under-14 team which was due to play Carrigaline in the South-East final last Tuesday. He was also a member of the Cork under-14 panel. Jake who was pupil of Hamilton High School, Brandon, also played soccer for the local club Innishvilla. Scenes of great sadness were evident on Saturday last, when his remains were brought from Gabriel and O'Donovan's Funeral Home in Bandon. A guard of honour, involving his team-mates, adult players, members, mentors, and officials of the Valley Rovers clubs together with players and members and officials of Innishvilla soccer club, was formed out the local GAA grounds and Community Hall who escorted and shouldered Jake's flag-draped coffin through silent crowded street, to St. Mary's Church. All GAA activities at the Bleach and Brinny were postponed as a mark of respect. On Sunday, huge crowds again attended his requiem mass, where Jake's family and friends read prayers of the faithful and carried gifts to the alter, including Valley Rovers GAA jerseys, Innishvilla AFC jersey and a Liverpool F.C. jersey, while a slideshow of photographs selected by his friends was also shown, before he was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Parish priest Fr. John Kingston in his expression of sympathy stated that the community was heartbroken, but that there would be great support for Jake's family and extended family from the parish and the wider community. He was well liked and popular and will be sadly missed.

30th August, 2009 Tweet

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