The late Myles McDonagh The school community of St Jarlath's N.S. Garbally Menlough was distraught on hearing of the untimely death of Myles McDonagh in a tragic accident on Friday, October 27, 2006. On hearing the sad news, the whole community converged on Skehana church to pray and to grieve. From there, they made their way to Garbally N.S. to talk, cry and remember an incredible child who was a much loved pupil in the school. A special tribute on behalf of the school. said "On Saturday, a sense of disbelief descended on our community. We made our way to Ballybaun to pay our respects, and mourn the loss of a dear young boy snatched from us so cruelly when he had so much to live for. Streams of silent people were united in their grief and were visibly upset . "The much anticipated county final had been the talk of the parish for weeks, but now the match paled into insignificance. Myles had played in a local blitz the previous Sunday and was an avid follower and participant of Skehana hurling and Menlough football. He too was looking forward to the match. But alas, it wasn't to be. A minute's silence was observed in Tuam before the first whistle was blown. The victorious captain, Derwin Costello, paid tribute to Myles in his after match speech. While there was great rejoicing at the victory, the parish mourned the passing of a future parish footballer. The usual parish Celebratory Tour was cancelled, instead players made the sad pilgrimage to the McDonagh home and the Cup spent its first night with Myles in Ballybaun. "Monday was a desolate day in Skehana as the community bade farewell to Myles. The children, parents, teachers and staff accompanied Myles from Garbally N.S to Skehana church. Along the route, guards of honour formed by the Menlough footballers, the Skehana hurlers, and many other parish organisations, lined the road to Skehana church. Church bells pealed and Myles entered the church for the last time to the singing of the choir and the hushed silence of a community united in their sorrow. Fr Kilbane paid a glowing tributes to our much cherished child. Gifts representing his short life were presented at the altar. The fourth class, Myles's classmates, served the Mass. Carmel Costello sang the "Voice of an Angel" and there was not a dry eye in the church. It was with profound sadness that we again joined Myles on his final journey to Doonane cemetery where he was laid to rest under a sycamore tree. "Myles was born in Dublin, lived in Leitrim and then came to live among is in his father's native county. Myles was an outstanding student, humble with his ability, self-effacing and forever helpful to his fellow peers. He was a voracious reader, being able to follow the teacher in class while reading a book under the table. He strove for excellence and achieved it. Myles was by nature a peacemaker, and was always the first to defuse a schoolyard row. His behaviour was impeccable and he was respected by teacher and pupils alike. "Christmas was in the air and that meant it was concert time in Garbally. Teachers and pupils were busy preparing a musical based on the "Pied Piper of Hamelin". Myles was the "Last Rat" and he carried his part with aplomb. His diction was perfect and his delivery flawless, Alas, it wasn't to be, and needless to say the concert will not take place. "He was passionate about sport. He wore the No. 4 jersey with pride and his ambition was to be as good as Joey Glynn in hurling and to emulate his neighbour Peter Kelly in football. Indeed, three jerseys draped his coffin - the No. 4 of Menlough, Skehana and Garbally N.S. He even dreamed of playing Brazil. "His ambitions were boundless. He talked about becoming a senior engineer with Galway County Council and he laterally mentioned following his uncle into medicine. He did have the ability to follow his dreams. He represented our school in 2005 in the Knex Engineering Challenge - Maths and Science being his favourite subjects. Myles fulfiled a lifetime in his 9 short years. "Myles was devoted to his younger brother Colum, always attentive to his needs. Colum even used to question Myles on the number of times he came to check up on him during the day. Now Colum will have a Guardian Angel watching over him. "His interest in engineering manifested itself in his choice of toy. Lego was his favourite and he could spend hours with Colum creating a masterpiece. He also enjoyed Art class and took pride in his creation for display in the classroom. "Sadly Myles has departed and we in Garbally N.S,. are heartbroken. A gloom had descended over the school as we contemplate a future that is stolen from us. We extend our sincere condolences to his parents Noelin and Diarmuid, his brothers Eoin and Colum, and his sister Doireann. "In the future we will be erecting a fitting tribute to Myles sin our "Garden of Remembrance" where he himself planted daffodils during the month of October in memory of the forgotten souls of our area. But Myles will never be forgotten. His desk is now adorned by photographs, candles, poems and stories written by his school friends. Myles will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts. As one parent said of Myles before this tragic accident - "Myles was everyone's friend, everybody wanted a piece of Myles." Courtesy of The Connacht Tribune 08 December 2006 Tweet

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