O'Hara, Kevin
June 05, 2013Students gathered for a special prayer assembly on Monday morning to remember their popular and hardworking classmate, Kevin O'Hare, whose life was tragically cut short at the weekend. The Year 11 pupil was highly thought of by pupils and staff alike.
Principal Joan McCombe described Kevin as a "wonderful ambassador for the school" who was widely involved in all aspects of school life . She said the-community within St Malachy's High School was left "deeply shocked" by his untimely death.
"He was very hardworking and successful in Year ll,"she said. "I know that Kevin had received many commendations from his teachers in both science and PE.
"Kevin was also awarded the outstanding student award for Business Enterprise at the school prize-giving earlier this year and was making tremendous progress with his GCSE studies." Mrs McCombe also described Kevin as a "generous young man" who supported the school's Lenten campaign.
"As well as contributing to the daily collections, Kevin, along with his fellow students in the occupational studies class, organised a very successful Bench Ball tournament, which raised significant sums of money for Trocaire." In a glowing tribute, the principal said the school was "privileged to know" the young teenager. She also alluded to his "great passion" for Gaelic football. "He wore the school jersey with pride during the many Gaelic competitions that he successfully participated in," she said.
"He was a young man that embodied goodness and kindness, a son that any parent would be proud of and a student that we as teachers were privileged to know," added the principal. "He will be sadly missed by us all." On hearing the tragic news, over the weekend the school's senior management team prepared for the return of the students to the Castlewellan school. The pastoral care team was made available to support the many friends that the popular schoolboy had left behind. The principal and other members of staff visited the bereaved family to offer their support.
"On behalf of Governors, staff and students of St Malachy's, I extend deepest sympathy and condolences to Kevin's parents, brothers and wider family circle. They are in our thoughts and prayers at this most sad and difficult time. "We also extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the family of Mr Colin Polland."Abook of condolence has been opened in the school's oratory for students and staff to sign. On the morning of the funeral a special assembly celebrating Kevin's life will be held.
It will involve the entire school particularly his fellow Year 11s. At noon, a minutes silence will take place in the school to coincide with Kevin's funeral.
Talented teenager had it all
Dromara teenager Kevin O'Hare has been described as having "an infectious warmth."
Parish Priest Fr Peter McNeill said it was difficult to put into words just how badly the close-knit community around Dromara and the surrounding area has taken the news of Kevin's untimely death. He said the St Malachy's High School student's family have been left utterly raw and in complete shock at their loss. But, he said, Kevin's loved ones are taking great comfort from the unwavering support lent by neighbours, friends and the whole community.
"The last memory I have of Kevin is having my photo taken with him at Dromara GAC's juvenile awards," Fr McNeill said. The talented Gaelic footballer was given a top award at his club's juvenile awards late last year. "He was a lovely young fella that night." The parish priest went on to describe Kevin as having a modest shyness but enjoyed teasing those close to him, finding fun in simple things. "He had it all, the skill and the personality. He was well known amongst his peers and was very pleasant."
Fr McNeill added that the teenager was very close to his family, and in particular to his three older brothers, Eugene, Declan and Liam. He said Kevin's family offer
their utmost support to the family of Colin Rolland following the weekend's tragic events. Kevin was a keen Gaelic footballer, and was a rising star at his home club of Dromara.
At the club's juvenile awards in November last year, Kevin was named the top juvenile of the year. Secretary of the club, Willie Doyle, described the young man as "a cornerstone of any game he played." He said Kevin was a talented and committed player. "His loss is a big loss to the club," Mr Doyle said. "We are very proud to have had him here."
Describing how the teenager lost his life as "an absolute tragedy", the club secretary said that the thoughts of all of those involved in the club are also with the Polland family at this time. "We have lost Kevin but we do realise that there was another man trying to save him who has also lost his life."
Courtesy of Mourne Observer Tweet
