By Jarlath Cowan
“HE had a love of learning and a belief that every single person matters.”
Those were the words of Father Kevin McElhennon at St Mary’s Church, Killyclogher, as mourners gathered on Tuesday to celebrate the life of Pearse McCloskey.
Mr McCloskey, a highly respected Omagh man and founder of the Skyzdalimit performing arts charity, passed away on May 4, surrounded by his loving family.
Originally from Letterkenny, Mr McCloskey made a lasting impact in Omagh through his dedication to education, creativity and community.
Fr McElhennon described him as someone who lived ‘with generosity, enthusiasm and joy’ and who didn’t waste time on bitterness or worry.
“Even in illness, when things were hard, Pearse stayed strong in spirit,” he said.
“He believed in the power of words well chosen and well spoken, because they connect, build relationships and community.”
Mr McCloskey was raised in Donegal by schoolteacher parents who instilled in him a lifelong love of learning.
“His family upbringing, inspired by his parents, gifted him with many qualities.
“He had a love of learning and a belief that every single person matters.”
Fr McElhennon spoke of Mr McCloskey’s hunger for knowledge, which he soaked up with an open mind, and the numerous languages he spoke – including Irish, Italian and German.
“Pearse would try his hand at anything,” he continued.
“He believed in the power of language, in the power of words… Words well chosen and well spoken, because they have a power to connect.”
Throughout his life, Mr McCloskey also spent time living in Italy, where he opened a language school and met his wife Cathy, with whom he would have five children: Martina, Francesca, Kaelan, Oisín and Aimee.
inspiration
As founder of Skyzdalimit, Mr McCloskey was described as an encourager, inspiration and dear friend.
“He didn’t just create a space for performance, it was a place for people to be seen, heard and celebrated,” Fr McElhennon said. “He saw possibility where other people may have seen limitation.
“He believed in others before they believed in themselves, and he saw blessing where others saw burdens.”
Concluding, Fr McElhennon reflected on Mr McCloskey’s commitment to what truly mattered.
“Even when his body began to fail him, Pearse didn’t ask ‘why me?’, because he had already made peace with the reality that we are not here forever.
“He wasn’t a casual inhabitant in this world. He showed up fully and was always 150 per-cent committed to the things that mattered.”
Following the announcement of Mr McCloskey’s passing on Sunday, Skyzdalimit paid tribute to their founder and friend in a social media post.
“We at Skyzdalimit are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Pearse McCloskey, our founder and friend,” a spokesperson said.
“Pearse was the driving force behind our Skyzdalimit family.
“He inspired us, advocated for us and encouraged us to be the best versions of ourselves that we could be.
“We will forever be grateful for the passion and positivity Pearse brought to us all.”
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