A GAA club has paid tribute to a “talented and dedicated footballer” who passed away following a car accident early on Saturday morning, reports The Mirror.
18-yr-old Órán McConville, from Rathfriland, Co Down, was in the front passenger seat of a vehicle that crashed near Hilltown. Police received a report around 2am on Saturday regarding a collision involving a grey Volkswagen Golf on Kilkeel Road in Hilltown. Emergency services responded, but Mr McConville was tragically declared dead at the scene. According to police, the 18-year-old male driver was arrested.
Mr McConville was a player with Drumgath GAA Club, which led heartfelt tributes to a young man described as “a bright light” in the local area. His death follows the recent passing of his father, Paddy, just six weeks ago on February 21, and also the loss of his sister, Rachael, 16 years ago.
A club representative stated: “It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we, the committee and members of Drumgath GAC, share the devastating news of the untimely passing of Órán McConville,” reports The Mirror.
“Órán was so much more than a young man – he was a bright light in our community. Kind, gentle, full of humour, and always up for a chat, Órán had that rare ability to make everyone feel at ease in his company. He had time for people, young and old, and brought joy to those lucky enough to have known him. Whether it was on the football pitch or in the heart of the community, Órán carried himself with warmth, respect, and quiet charm,” reports The Mirror.
“Órán’s contribution to Drumgath GAC on the field was nothing short of outstanding. A talented and dedicated footballer, he wore the jersey with immense pride. From the moment he could walk, Órán was part of our club – first as a supporter, watching his older siblings, Rachael and Shéa, represent Drumgath and later as a player in his own right. His achievements began in 2018, being a part of the U13 team who went on to win the league. In 2019, he was a key member of the Drumclone U14 Féile team, helping secure the County title and reach the All-Ireland semi-final. In 2021, he was part of the U15 team that lifted the All County B Championship cup. He went on to play in the U17 Championship Final, and was part of the winning team in the Daniel Bailie Tournament in 2022,” reports The Mirror.
“He also helped secure the U17 B Championship title in 2023. In 2024, he played a central role in the U18 Division 2 League win before proudly making the step up to Senior level, contributing to our Intermediate Championship success and promotion. Órán also proudly played schools’ football with St. Mark’s, where he was equally respected for his commitment, sportsmanship, and team spirit. Órán was a teammate everyone could count on – his legacy on the pitch will never be forgotten,” reports The Mirror.
Beyond his sporting talent, the club praised Órán’s community spirit: “He was a brilliant young volunteer, always willing to lend a hand. He gave his energy and enthusiasm to our Cúl Camps, where he was loved by all the children – always patient, full of fun, and a brilliant role model. Last year, he travelled to Kenya with St. Mark’s on a life-changing volunteer trip, showcasing his compassion far beyond his own community. Órán’s sudden death has left our entire club and wider community in deep shock and sorrow. A young man full of promise, kindness, and spirit, Órán had so much life ahead of him. He was a cherished friend to many, a teammate, and a beloved son and brother,” reports The Mirror.
“This tragedy is made all the more poignant as it comes just six weeks after the passing of his father, Paddy, and 16 years after the heartbreaking loss of his sister, Rachael. Our hearts go out to his loving mother, Amanda, and his devoted brother, Shéa – for any family to endure such loss is beyond comprehension. We offer them our full support, prayers, and strength in the days, weeks, and months ahead. As a club and a community, we share in Amanda and Shéa’s heartbreak and will offer them our deepest care and support throughout this unimaginable time. To Órán – thank you for the laughter, the smiles, and the memories. You will never be forgotten,” reports The Mirror.
Órán had also been a student at St Mark’s High School in Warrenpoint, which shared their grief at his loss.
A spokesperson from the school said: “Órán left St. Mark’s last August after completing his A-Levels. He was incredibly hard working and had a drive to be successful, which he achieved in every aspect of his life.
“Órán represented our school with pride on the Gaelic football field and soccer pitch returning many trophies to our cabinet over the years. In his final year in school he was part of the successful U18 soccer team who won the South Down Cup, the first time in our school’s history. He loved pulling on the purple jersey, just like his brother and daddy,” reports The Mirror.
“In November of last year, Órán travelled to Kenya with the St. Mark’s team, immersing himself in the culture and making a lasting impression on everyone he met. He helped build a house and he taught in the primary school where his personality shone through. Every day was a new adventure and his love of travelling was just beginning. Órán was quite simply a gentleman who will be sorely missed. He was fiercely proud of his purple blood! Our thoughts and prayers are with Órán’s mummy Amanda and his brother Shéa, his wider family circle and his dear friends,” reports The Mirror.
Detectives from the Collision Investigation Unit are working to determine what happened in the crash, and are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or recorded dashcam footage to get in touch. They can contact 101 and refer to reference CW 109 05/04/25, or provide information online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.
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