By Dionne Meehan
THE funeral will take place this afternoon (Thursday) of Connor McGinley who died tragically in a weekend road collision in Kerrykeel.
The 19-year-old from 2 Quay Road, Drumbern, Milford died after the car he was driving struck a pole outside Kerrykeel at around 3.30am on Saturday morning.
A male passenger who was travelling in the same vehicle was treated for non-life threatening injuries at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Fiona Temple, Principal of Mulroy College in Milford, said staff and pupils at the school were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the terrible loss of their former student.
“Connor was such a lovely young fellow and he was so popular among the staff and his peers,” she said.
Staff at the Milford and District Resource Centre also took to social media to pay their own tribute.
“Like everyone in the community, the whole team at MDRC have been shocked and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Connor Mc Ginley at the weekend,” a post read.
“Connor was a valued participant in the MYE Future Youth Project.
“Connor’s mum, Noelle, is one of our longest-serving volunteers in the Rags to Riches charity shop.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Noelle, Ennis, Dennis and with all Connor’s family and friends during this very difficult time.”
MDRC will be closing their doors today from 11.30am to 2pm and the Rags to Riches charity shop will remain closed all this week as a mark of respect, reopening on Monday, August 14.
Tributes were also paid by Milford Athletic Club and Milford United FC, two clubs with whom Connor enjoyed great success at underage level.
Connor’s feral Mass takes place today at 12 noon in St Peter’s Church, Milford.
Connor is deeply regretted by his loving parents Ennis and Noelle, brother Dennis, cousin Caitlin, grandfather Patrick Mc Ginley, uncles Michael Mc Ginley and Joe McElhinney, aunts Nellie Mc Dermott, Caroline Mc Elhinney, Kathy Mc Elhinney, Siobhan Mc Elhinney, Melissa Mc Elhinney and Sinead Mc Elhinney, cousins, extended family and friends.
Gardaí continue to appeal for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the R246 between Kerrykeel and Milford on Saturday morning between 3 am and 4 am are asked to contact Gardaí.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)