Tributes to Omagh man who founded life-changing arts charity

“HE had a love of learning and a belief that every single person matters.”

These were the words of Father Kevin McElhennon today as mourners congregated at St Mary’s Church, Killyclogher to celebrate the life of Pearse McCloskey. Mr McCloskey sadly passed away on May 4 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

The highly respected Omagh man (who grew up in Letterkenny) was the founder of Skyzdalimit, a cross-community performing arts charity based in Omagh.

“Pearse didn’t waste time on worry or on bitterness,” Fr McElhennon told mourners.

“He didn’t get caught up in all those things that simply don’t matter.

“Even in his illness when things were hard, he stayed strong in spirit.

“He lived with generosity, enthusiasm and joy.”

Recalling Mr McCloskey’s early life, Fr McElhennon spoke of the many qualities that were instilled in him from his parents.

“Pearse grew up in Donegal,” said Fr McElhennon.

“His family upbringing, inspired by his school teacher parents gifted him with many qualities.

“He had a love of learning and a belief that every single person matters – a belief that would be the quiet engine behind his whole life.”

Fr McElhennon further recalled Mr McCloskey’s ‘hunger for knowledge’ of which he said he would ‘soak up’ with an ‘open mind’ as well as the numerous languages he spoke including Irish, Italian and German.

“He would try his hand at anything,” Fr McElhennon continued.

“He believed in the power of language, in the power of words. Words well chosen and well spoken because they have a power to connect, building relationships and community.”

Throughout his life, Mr McCloskey also spent time living in Italy where he opened a language school and met his wife Cathy with whom he would have five children Martina, Francesca, Kaelan, Oisin and Aimee.

As a founder of Skyzdalimit Omagh, Mr McCloskey was described as an ‘encourager, inspiration and dear friend’.

“He didn’t just create a space for performance, it was a place for people to be seen, heard and celebrated,” Fr McElhennon explained.

“A place where they could discover what Pearse already believed – that they have something to say, to give and to become.

“He was their encourager, inspiration and a dear friend, and he did the same by everyone.

“He saw possibility where other people may have seen limitation.

“He believed in others before they believed in themselves, and he saw blessing where others seen burdens.”

Concluding, Fr McElhennon spoke of Mr McCloskey’s commitment to the things that mattered.

“Even when his body began to fail him, he didn’t ask ‘why me?’, because he had already made peace with the reality that we are not here forever.

“He wasn’t a casual inhabitant in this world. He showed up fully and was always 150 percent committed to the things that mattered.”

Following the announcement of Mr McCloskey’s passing on Sunday, Skyzdalimit paid tribute to their founder and friend in a social media post.

“We at Skyzdalimit are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Pearse McCloskey, our founder and friend,” said a spokesperson.

“Pearse was the driving forced behind our Skyzdalimit family.

“He inspired us, advocated for us and encouraged us to be the best versions of ourselves that we could be.

“He taught us that there are no limits, just expectations that need to be exceeded.

“His effervescent personality, care and empathy brought out the best in us.

“We will forever be grateful for the passion and positivity Pearse brought to us all.”