Hundreds pay tribute to tragic schoolboy John Irwin

Hundreds of people have attended a funeral service for John Irwin, the 16-year-old schoolboy from Co Armagh who died suddenly earlier this week.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Apr 2016, 19:24 BST
Updated 16th Apr 2016, 19:49 BST
Desperately sad scenes as John Irwin's coffin is carried from the church.Desperately sad scenes as John Irwin's coffin is carried from the church.
Desperately sad scenes as John Irwin's coffin is carried from the church.

Staff and pupils from John’s school, City of Armagh High School, were among the mourners at St John’ Parish Church, Middletown on Saturday afternoon.

John from Tynan, collapsed at school on Tuesday, and died several hours later.

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School principal David Livingstone revealed on Friday that special assemblies have been held to help pupils come to terms with the tragedy.

DUP representative William Irwin attended the funeral service.DUP representative William Irwin attended the funeral service.
DUP representative William Irwin attended the funeral service.

“John was a popular young man and was held in the highest regard by his teachers and fellow pupils alike. He will be greatly missed by all, particularly those within his form class. John possessed many fine qualities. Since his passing words which have been used to describe him include patient, kind, courteous and polite.

“He always saw the good in others and was keen to help and support those who were in difficulty. He worked extremely hard at every task he undertook. His qualities led to John being appointed Prefect, a role which he approached with enthusiasm. John was actively involved in making plans for his future, hoping to pursue a career in butchery alongside his farming activities.”

John’s funeral was held a week on from an accident that ultimately took the life of a former City of Armagh High School head girl, Lesley-Ann McCarragher. She was struck by a car while out running and died in hospital last Sunday.