Drowning victim saved girl from river

23 September 1998

GRIEF-STRICKEN COMMUNITY MOURNS TRAGIC DEATH OF CONOR McHUGH

By DEIRDRE KELLY

THE COURAGE of Leaving Cert student Conor McHugh from TheNeale, who lost his life in a drowning accident at the weekend, was recalled at his Funeral Mass on Monday.

Seventeen-year-old Conor died when he tried to save a friend who had fallen overboard from a boat into Lough Corrib on Friday.

And this was not the first time the brave youngster put his life on the line for others.

Fr. Michael Gormally, Chaplain to Ballinrobe Community School and chief concelebrant at the Mass, recalled how last week Conor told him he had saved a girl who fell into a river in Cong during the summer. His rescue had been a proud moment in what he described as a fantastic summer.

The drowning tragedy happened close to Ashford pier when one of Conor's friends Noel Murphy from Clonbur fell overboard and Conor went to his rescue. However, Conor got into difficulties and Noel managed to swim to safety.

Other school friends who were in the craft were Jonathan Walsh (TheNeale), and Patrick Hopkins (The Neale).

There were heartbreaking scenes of a community deep in mourning as Conor's family, his classmates at Ballinrobe Community School, teachers and friends gathered to pay their final respects at the parish church in The Neale.

The tributes paid by his family, friends and Fr. Gormally recalled an energetic, fun-loving young man who, even at this early stage in the school year, had already turned his concentration fully to his Leaving Cert studies.

Fr. Gormally described Conor as an excellent student who had helped supervise this summer's State exams. As a supervisor he helped calm those students who were nervous about sitting the exams and looked after those who were sick.

He was a kind and caring person who loved nature and also had a great love of music and especially his guitar. He was also very athletic and was a keen football and rugby player.

Conor was also a star on stage and played a lead role in his school's production of 'Oklahoma' last year.

Towards the end of the Funeral Mass, which was a celebration of Conor's life, some of his favourite songs were played. His father Peter thanked everyone for their support at this tragic time.

The students of Ballinrobe Community School formed a guard of honour as the cortege left the church to the local cemetery where he was laid to rest.

He is survived by his parents Peter and Frances and three brothers Rory, Peter and Christopher.

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - September 1998