Hundreds turn out for schoolboy whose death shocked the county

A PRIEST at the funeral of Matthew McCallan in Edendork yesterday (Sunday) said the family of the 15-year-old had been greatly comforted by the good memories of him shared with them during the past week.

Hundreds of people packed into St Malachy’s Church in the village for the Requiem Funeral Mass. Many wore special hoodies which had been prepared in memory of the St Patrick’s College student.

His death after attending a country music jamboree in Fintona last weekend shocked the local community, particularly his family and friends in both Dungannon and Carrickmore. Speaking at his funeral, Dean Kevin Donaghy, Parish Priest, described Matthew as someone who had known and lived through a lot of positive experiences.

“Over the years of his young life, there was a lot of time to build up his talents and skills with everything that was hands-on.

All things technological and mechanical, agricultural and practical held a fascination for Matthew and he was clearly heading for more of the same,” he said.

“He liked to spend plenty of time in the outdoor life, whether on the sports field or the farming field.

“Just recently he had taken out his treasure-trove of little tractors which had been stored away safely and put them back on display in his ever-so-well kept bedroom.

“Most of all, Matthew knew a great amount of time to love and to be loved, most especially across all the generations of his family who first welcomed that tiny baby of less than three pounds weight into the world and cherished him with loving care as he grew and progressed in life.

“The times with Matthew were good times and his family have been greatly comforted by the good memories shared with them by his classmates, teammates, teachers and friends.”

Items brought to the altar marking his life included his work boots and cowboy hat and the priest recounted how Matthew had recently set out his short-term aims. These, he added, included buying a car, getting his GCSEs and saving some money.

Also placed on the altar was a tribute to his parents that had been written by Matthew himself.

It read, “Mum and dad I’d like to tell you that you mean the world to me. Your loving hearts and the way you care make me feel as special as can be. You encourage and support me in all that I want to do together you are the guiding light which shines my whole life true.”

Dean Donaghy also told the mourners, “It is with so many beautiful memories and such a wonderful life experience that we celebrate and remember and give thanks for those memories and those abundant blessings that Matthew brought to his immediate family and to so many family, schoolmates and friends.”

Prayers were also offered for the hundreds of people who had taken part in the search for him last weekend.