Tributes paid to Ronnie a ‘wise and witty’ adventurer

THE funeral of a ‘wise and witty’ former staff member of Sacred Heart College, who was passionate about the outdoors, and facilitated unforgettable school trips for local students over the decades, has taken place this afternoon (Saturday).

Ronald James McLernon, fondly known as Ronnie, died suddenly on Thursday.

A loving husband of Ann, and father of Paul and Kathy (Hegarty), the Omagh man was also an adventurer, who took a keen interest in providing students with educational outdoor activities to nurture group harmony, and ensure that memories were made and enjoyed outside of the classroom as well as within it.

Using his strengths of forward-thinking, innovation and creativity, Mr McLernon was further an original founder of ‘Ski Gruppone’, which continues to provide pupils from all over the province with better access to high quality ski experiences.

Lifetime of adventure

Ronnie began his career in education as a youth tutor in Patrick’s High School, and Omagh Boys and Girls Club. 

While there, he was the first leader to have organised school ski trips for pupils, and for more than three decades, he took a leading role in these trips for St Patrick’s, which continued following the amalgamation of St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s to Sacred Heart College.

He further facilitated and organised outdoor education events, and European adventure activities for intrepid students over the decades. 

‘Greatly missed’

In a moving statement, a spokesperson from the Sacred Heart College said that Mr McLernon will be greatly missed.

 “The Board of Governors, staff and pupils of Sacred Heart College wish to express their deep sadness at the sudden passing of Ronnie McLernon,” they said. “He had a passion for giving young people opportunities, and his wit and camaraderie will be greatly missed.

“For those who had any significant dealings with Ronnie, they will miss his intelligence, sense of fair play, and wise counsel.

“May he rest in peace.”

Mr McLernon is survived by his wife, Ann; son, Paul; daughter, Kathy; brothers Eoin, Danny, and Ambrose; daughter-in-law, Julie; son-in-law, Simon; and his grandchildren, Flynn; Martha; Lorcan: Henry; Alice; and Ivy.