The death has occurred of:
Odhran McGirr
Patrick, Catríona and family wish to express our sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude to our extended families, all our friends, neighbours, and the wider communities in Errigal Ciaran and Kilkishen for the kindness, support, and love shown to us during Odhrán’s illness and on his sad passing.
We are profoundly thankful to the wider medical team in the Children’s Cancer Unit and the team on the Paul Ward at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children Belfast, the community paediatric team, Dr. Potter and Shane O’Neill Pharmacy for the care, compassion, and understanding they showed Odhrán and our family throughout his illness and in his final days.
To the team from Cancer Fund for Children, the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, Oscar’s Kids Club, and Barretstown, we thank you for the support, care, and guidance to us as a family, which you have given and continue to provide.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who travelled near and far, offered condolences and prayers, sent messages, or provided support. A special word of thanks to the local businesses, neighbours, and friends who helped providing food and refreshments throughout the wake, and to all who assisted with catering and stewarding.
To the Errigal Ciaran Club—your unwavering support over the past year, especially during Odhrán’s final weeks and throughout the wake has meant so much to us.
To the staff and children of St. Malachy’s Primary School—your support, guidance, and care for Odhrán and our family over the past year will never be forgotten. Your guard of honour for Odhrán and the beautiful singing touched our hearts deeply.
To Odhrán’s U10 football teammates, the extended Errigal Ciaran Club, members of Cúchulainn an Ghleanna Hurling and Camogie Club, Augher Stars Football Club, St Ciaran’s College Ballygawley, St Joseph’s Grammar School Donaghmore, and all those who lined the route on the morning of the funeral—your presence and guard of honour for Odhrán will always be remembered with gratitude.
A special word of thanks to Fr. Michael O’Dwyer for his visits to Odhrán and our family. We are so appreciative of your time. The comfort, guidance, and pastoral care you gave to Odhrán and continue to provide to our family has given us such solace during this difficult time. The words spoken and the Mass celebrated were a fitting tribute to our brave and remarkable boy. Thank you to Fr. Peter McAnenely and Fr. Gerard McAleer who concelebrated the Mass and to all of the clergy who attended the wake and provided spiritual support.
To Ciara Fox, Rory Madden, Brian Gormley, and the children of St. Malachy’s—thank you for your beautiful, heartfelt music at Odhrán’s Mass which brought peace and comfort to us all.
To Paudge Quinn of E. Quinn & Sons—our sincere thanks for the gentle care, compassion, and dignity shown to Odhrán and our family. Our appreciation also to KC Marquees for providing and setting up the marquee and to Errigal Plant Hire for providing the lighting. To Quinn’s Corner, thank you for the beautiful dinner provided following the funeral Mass. Thank you to the gravediggers for preparing Odhrán’s final resting place and to Martina McDonnell for the beautiful flowers that adorned the grave.
Odhrán showed extraordinary courage, resilience, and strength throughout his journey. His bravery inspired all who knew him, and his laughter and love brought light even in the hardest times.
It would be impossible to thank everyone individually, so please accept this acknowledgment as a heartfelt expression of our appreciation to all who supported us and Odhrán throughout the past year and gave him the most beautiful farewell.
Odhrán’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 1st May, at 7pm in St. Malachy’s Church, Ballymacilroy.
St. Carlo Acutis, pray for him.