Teen suffered ‘life-changing injuries’ in Boxing day crash that claimed life of GAA player (20)
Pádraig McDonald passed away following the collision near Cookstown.The 20-year-old was from the Loughmacrory area of Co Tyrone.A family notice described Mr McDonald as a “cherished son”, “dear brother” and “beloved grandson”.Requiem Mass will be held in St Mary’s Church, Loughmacrory at 11am on Monday, with interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.Mr McDonald was a former youth player with Loch Mhic Ruairi Naomh Treasa CLG (St Teresa’s GAA club in Loughmacrory).Poignantly, as his remains returned home on Friday night, the cortege stopped at the team’s Pairc an Locha ground where he picked up his jersey for the final time.The crash, just before 1am on Friday morning, has caused widespread shock.A teenager also suffered “life-changing injuries” and several others remain injured.Police said they received a report shortly before 12.40am of a two-vehicle collision involving a silver and a black Volkswagen Golf. A few minutes later, a black Vauxhall Corsa also collided with one of the vehicles.The five occupants of the silver Golf reported injuries at the scene.Chief Inspector Simpson of the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit said: "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 black Golf and black Corsa are not believed to have suffered serious injury.”Pádraig McDonald (inset) diedLoch Mhic Ruairi Naomh Treasa CLG said Mr McDonald was the “beloved son of committee member Paddy and Kerry (nee Conway), brother of Pearse, Hanna, Shan and Daithi”.“From a family steeped in Loch Mhic Ruairi CLG, it was no surprise Padraig followed their lead and embedded himself in club life,” a spokesperson stated."A talented player in his underage days, Padraig won back to back Ulster Cumann na mBunscols; a Grade 1 U14 League title (scoring a goal in the final) and a Grade 2 Minor League title.“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 saw 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.“Our heartfelt condolences to Paddy, Kerry, Pearse, Hanna, Shan, Daithi and the wider McDonald/Conway families.”As his remains are returned to Loughmacrory for his wake, the club added that ‘Paudie’ as he was affectionately know, would “stop at the club where he will pick up his jersey for the final time”, where a guard of honour would also be waiting for him and his family.The scene after a man died and several others were injured after a crash in Co Tyrone. Press Eye.West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer, who is also from Loughmacrory, knows the McDonald family well, and told the Belfast Telegraph that “the community is stunned" since learning of the tragic accident and Mr McDonald’s death. “The McDonald family is hugely respected in the parish and further afield and are very well known in GAA circles and for their work in the community,” the Sinn Fein politician continued.“Pádraig was a real gentleman and had a huge circle of friends. He loved farming and when Loughmacrory reached the senior county championship recently for the first time, he painted his sheep in the club colours to mark the occasion.“The Loughmacrory community has been on a real high since winning the county championship at the end of October and Padraig was in the middle of the celebrations, but that joy has now turned to pain as we prepare for Padraig’s wake and funeral.“There was a prayer service in St Colmcille's chapel [in Carrickmore] for the lads and the church was packed to capacity with many hundreds also standing outside."News of Padraig’s death came in during the service; the sense of community pain and empathy for the family was palpable.“There will be many tough days ahead for the McDonald family and the community will rally round them and support them in whatever way we can.“We continue to pray for the McDonalds and for the full recovery of the other lads injured in this terrible accident and I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the families at this sad time”.Plans set to be submitted to move £100m restoration of old Bank of Ireland building in Belfast forwardSinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley also expressed her condolences to the family and friends of Mr McDonald.The West Tyrone MP said: “It’s devastating to learn Pádraig has tragically died.“My immediate thoughts are with the McDonald family as they begin to process this terrible incident.“An entire community and parish is heartbroken and in mourning today and I know that we will all do everything that we can to support these families in what will be difficult days to come.“I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for all their efforts and for attending the scene.“Our thoughts and prayers are also with those injured, and I hope they make a full recovery.”
