Tributes pour in after tragic death of St Colman’s, Newry teenager
Tributes have poured in for a St Colman’s Newry student who was tragically killed in a road collision yesterday.
The 14 year old, from Banbridge, died after being hit by a van outside his home on the Scarva Road at around 8am yesterday morning.
He was rushed to Craigavon Hospital but died a short time later. Police arrested a 30 year old man, who was subsequently released unconditionally.
The teenager was a member of Aghaderg GAC, who released a heartfelt statement mourning his death.
The statement read, “It is with deep regret we learned of the death of one of our juvenile players in an accident.
“Mark Colgan was an enthusiastic and talented footballer and hurler who played a huge part in our underage teams. He was also a quiet and unassuming young man who always had a smile on his face. His family have been at the cornerstone of our club since its foundation.
The statement added, “We would like to take this opportunity to pass on our heartfelt condolences to his parents Mervyn and Felicity, sister Aideen and brother Paul and the wider Colgan and Stewart families, on behalf of the club and community. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Speaking to the Dromore Leader Newspaper about her shock at the tragic accident, Marie McAteer, a great aunt of the teenager, described Mark as being a ‘very active wee boy who played gaelic and hurling’.
Marie explained the moments leading up the the collision. “He was waiting for the bus for school and it was raining heavily.
“I think the bus was late and as they live opposite the bus stop his mum Felicity said ‘I will drop you down as far as Scarva’. She went to get the car and didn’t know what happened, if he stepped out or the van just hit him.”
Marie added, “Felicity and Mervyn are trying to get things organised, but they can’t because there’s post-mortem going on. Everything is very raw and very hard to accept at the minute.”
SDLP Banbridge Councillor Seamus Doyle paid a heartfelt tribute to the family of the 14-year-old. The SDLP group leader in Banbridge, speaking on behalf of his party colleagues, said the local community is “numbed” by the death of the teenager.
Cllr Doyle said, “I know Mark’s family and, in particular, his grandfather Jimmy Stewart who is a past chairman of the Knockiveagh SDLP branch. The family are devastated by this tragedy that has cut short the life of such a promising and talented young man.
“It is unimaginable to think what the family are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark’s family at this time of such heartache, and we send our condolences to them and to Mark’s friends.”
Doyle added, “The PSNI are currently appealing for information from anyone who was travelling on the Scarva Road just before 8am in the morning and who may have witnessed the incident. I would encourage anyone who can help in any way to get in touch with Banbridge PSNI.”
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Heartbreaking. My love and thoughts to family xx