‘Deep sadness’ at death of much-loved Omagh teacher

TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the death of an Omagh man who taught at Omagh CBS for more than 20 years.

Frank Loughran, of Sperrin Drive, died peacefully in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, surrounded by his loving family, yesterday (Monday).

Mr Loughran also served as director and chair of Omagh Credit Union.

Omagh CBS vice-principal, Anthony White, said Mr Loughran will always be remembered with fondness and affection by all of those who worked with him or had the good fortune to be taught by him.

He said, “We were deeply saddened to hear of Frank’s death.

“He was a kind, encouraging and good-humoured teacher whose gregarious and witty personality lit up the classrooms and corridors of the Christian Brothers’ Grammar School where he taught for 23 years between 1976 and 1999.

“He was a regular and welcome visitor to the school since his retirement and had recently attended our coffee morning for past staff just before Christmas where his wit and wisdom were once again on display in the staff room for all to witness and enjoy.

“He will be greatly missed.

“We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Nuala, his daughters, Aoife and Bláthnaid and all his family and friends.”

Current chair of the Omagh Credit Union, Roddy Hackett also expressed his condolences to Mr Loughran’s family circle on behalf of his colleagues in Omagh Credit Union.

He said, “I have known Frank both inside and outside of the Credit Union.

“Firstly, as an active participant in the quiz circuit both in the Omagh area and surrounding districts and, indeed, along with his wife, Nuala, we were actively involved in the same team at a local venue for a number of years.”

Mr Hackett continued, “In relation to Omagh Credit Union, he joined the Board of Directors in 1990 where he served on the Loans Committee until November 2012 when he became chair of the Board where he remained until November 2018.

“With reluctance, he stood down as chair in 2018 but remained as a director until he retired in 2020.

“In conclusion, my view of Frank within this Credit Union was ‘an excellent facilitator, who could make everyone feel confident and safe enough to share their views, challenge the views of others, and then reach a joint decision’.

“May he rest in peace.”

A son of the late Francis and May Loughran, Mr Loughran is survived by his wife Nuala and their children Aoifie and Bláthnaid.

He was also a cherished grandfather to Séamus, Síofra, Lóchrann and Vincent, and a brother to Gemma, Carmel, Eileen, Patrick, Joseph and Catherine.