‘A selfless individual’: Tributes paid to former GAA player killed in St Stephen’s Day crash
Tributes have been paid to a 20-year-old former GAA player who died following a multi-vehicle road traffic collision in Co Tyrone.Padraig McDonald from Loughmacrory was fatally injured in the incident on the Drum Road in Cookstown shortly before 12.40am on St Stephen’s Day.Loch Mhic Ruairi Naomh Treasa GAA club described Mr McDonald as a talented former player who maintained close links with the club and was a “selfless individual” admired throughout the community.“The committee, players and members of Loch Mhic Ruairi Naomh Treasa CLG are saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of Padraig McDonald (RIP) after a road traffic accident last night. Padraig was a past player and current club member,” the club said in a statement.“Whilst he was no longer a player for Loch Mhic Ruairi, he maintained close links with the club, volunteering when called upon and continuing to give up his time for the community.“This past year seen him celebrate the All-Ireland success of his brother Pearse with the Tyrone U-17 team, along with supporting his brother and friends as the club minor team completed the Grade 2 League and Championship Double.“He was of course overjoyed to see our senior men reach the pinnacle of Tyrone football, winning the O’Neill cup, and joined in with the celebrations with the club and wider community. He played his part in the build up by putting up many flags and bunting - he even painted a number of his sheep black and amber!“A keen farmer, Padraig spent much of his days at hard graft, possessing a work ethic admired by all. A selfless individual who offered help to many without expectation of praise or credit. Padraig will be greatly missed by his family, friends, the club and the wider community.”The statement went on to say that the youngster’s remains “will stop at the club where he will pick up his jersey for the final time” when returning to Loughmacrory for his wake.Police have also confirmed a teenage boy has sustained life-changing injuries, and a second teenager has serious facial injuries from the incident in the Cookstown area.Three vehicles were involved. A two-car crash happened in the early hours of Friday morning before a third car then collided with the two cars.Five occupants of a silver Golf reported injuries at the scene. Padraig McDonald was in that car and sadly passed away in hospital.“Shortly before 12.40am, we received a report of a two-vehicle collision on the Drum Road between a silver Volkswagen Golf and a black Volkswagen Golf,” a PSNI spokesperson said.“A few minutes later, a black Vauxhall Corsa also collided with one of the vehicles involved in the first collision.“The five occupants of the silver Golf reported injuries at the scene. Sadly, one man passed away in hospital a short time later. He was Padraig McDonald, aged 20 and from the Loughmacrory area.“A boy aged in his late teens has sustained life-changing injuries, while a second boy in his late teens suffered serious facial injuries. The injuries to the other two occupants are not thought to be serious at this time.”“The occupants of the other two cars are not believed to have suffered serious injury. The Drum Road remains closed on Friday afternoon as PSNI continue their investigations.”
