St Eunan's College remember Ollie Horgan, who was 'more than just a teacher'

A Mass remembering Ollie Horgan took place in the College Chapel of St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny on Friday, where he was recalled as being someone who had "a very special talent for making everyone feel special."

A native of Salthill, Mr Horgan - or happy enough to be called Ollie at St Eunan’s as everywhere else - who was 57, worked at the College since 1989 as a maths, science, technical drawing and PE teacher. 

At St Eunan’s, he coached soccer teams throughout the ranks, as well as managing Fanad United, Finn Harps, the Ulster Senior League select teams and the Irish Schoolboys. Most recently, he was assistant manager at Galway United FC.

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Ollie, of Beinn Aoibhinn, Letterkenny, and formerly of Dalysfort Road, Salthill, Galway, passed away in Galway on Thursday.

“Ollie had the warmth and the wit of a westerner, being a Galway man, and the rugged loyalty of a Donegal man,” his former colleague, Ms Gracie Edwards (Peoples), said in a touching tribute from the heart.

“Ollie had a very special talent for making everyone feel special, with his students, those who he coached on the football field and most especially in the staff room. He was more than just a teacher. 

“He gave his all with patience, good humour and an unwavering belief in every student and player he met. We grieve for the loss of his voice on the corridors or in the classroom and most especially in the staffroom.

“He never looked for admiration or praise but he earned it and he never sought the spotlight but by God did he shine in it. His impression will live forever here in the hills of Donegal and the hearts of all of us who loved him.”

Fr Damien Nejad, who recently left Parish of Conwal and Leck to move be the new curate of St. Baithin's Church in St Johnston, said that he would commonly meet Ollie, in his own quiet way, making his way to and from the chapel. 

“Ollie lived by the three F’s - family, football and faith,” Fr Nejad said. “There was also friendship, of course I always noticed Ollie was a very talented piano player and he would play from downstairs here at the College at lunchtimes.”

Fr Nejad was joined on the altar by former President of St Eunan’s College and Raphoe Diocese Administrator Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, with current and former staff and students, former players, as well as students from Loreto Convent, in attendance.

Damian McCrory, St. Eunan's College Principal, said Ollie was an ally from day one:  “When I first joined the school here in 2002, Ollie was a huge support to me then, as he was throughout the years. He might be embarrassed by all the attention he’s getting now. To  us all there at St Eunan’s, Ollie was Ollie.”

‘This is my Homeland,’ echoed through the school’s corridors by the conclusion. 

Ollie’s Requiem Mass will be celebrated at the Church of Christ the King, Salthill, on arrival at 12 noon on Monday. He will be laid to rest in Rahoon Cemetery.

Beloved son of the late Joe and Bernie and brother of Martin, RIP, Ollie is mourned by his wife Anita and their children Emma, Anthony, Brendan, Conor and David, sister Mary and brother Ger. He will also be missed by Kit, Brian and Caroline and his nephews, nieces and extended family.

St Eunan's College will remain closed on Monday to allow students and staff to attend the funeral. Class will resume as normal on Tuesday, with Transition Year students starting back on Wednesday.

“Apologies for any inconvenience caused,” St Eunan’s College posted. “We ask that you keep Ollie's family in your thoughts and prayers. We thank everybody for their support at this difficult time.”