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Buncrana mourns “brave
and gifted” teenager
27.05.08
BUNCRANA is mourning
the sad passing of “brave and gifted” teenager
Darren McDonagh.
Darren from Pillar Park died at the weekend
following a courageous battle with illness all his
short life. He was an inspiration to anyone who met
him and always had a shy smile at the ready.
Principal of Crana College, Liam Galbraith, said he
was “deeply saddened” when he heard on Saturday of
Darren’s death.
“In recent years he may have been restricted
physically but he was a gifted and remarkable young
man whose sense of fun and adventure touched
everyone who came in contact with him. |
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“He was especially
determined not to be restricted and campaigned
vigorously to seek improvements for persons with
special needs resulting from disabilities. He was a
huge presence in Crana College and the grief among
his classmates at the funeral on Monday spoke
volumes of the place that he held in their
affection. He will leave behind an emptiness that
will be hard to fill,” said Mr. Galbraith, extending
his sympathies to Darren’s parents Tom and Ann Marie
and his brothers and sister. |
Darren was the first child from Inishowen to have a
dream fulfilled by the Make a Wish Foundation which
grants wishes to children around the country with
life-threatening illness.
The Foundation's regional co-ordinator Francis
Callaghan also paid tribute to the Buncrana
teenager.
"It is with deep regret that the Make a Wish
Foundation learned of Darren's passing. He was our
first Inishowen Wish Child when he and his family
travelled to Orlando, Florida, to fulfil his dream
of enjoying the Disney experience," said Francis.
He recalled how Darren attended all the Make a Wish
gala balls in Buncrana over the years with the
exception of one when he was sick and unable to
attend.
Darren was delighted when the entire gathering at
the ball signed a giant get well card that was later
presented to him.
"From all of us in the Make a Wish Foundation can we
express our sincere and profound sympathies to all
the McDonagh family on this sad occasion," added
Francis. Darren was laid to rest yesterday following
11am Requiem Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Cockhill. |
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