Funeral details and tributes following passing of ‘remarkable young man’ in Donegal

There is widespread sadness at the passing of 17-year-old Christian McCullagh from Raphoe. 

Christian passed away in Beaumont Hospital on Wednesday following an illness. He was surrounded by his parents, Aileen and Gary, his sister Rocha and brother Riley. Gary had previously donated a kidney to his son in 2012. 

Christian will repose at his late residence, Beltany, Raphoe, (F93H280) from Friday at noon until 10pm and the same time Saturday. The Rosary will be said each evening at 9pm.

The funeral cortege will travel to St Eunan’s Church, Raphoe, at 11am on Sunday for a Requiem Mass, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. 

The Mass may be viewed on The Parish of Raphoe webcam.

Tributes have poured in from across the community following the news of Christian’s passing.  A student at Deele College, the school extended heartfelt sympathies to the family. 

“It was with profound sadness that the Deele College community learned of the untimely death of our much-loved and cherished fifth-year student, Christian McCullagh,” Deele College shared.  

“Christian started his Deele College journey on August 30, 2022. From the minute he came through our doors, he made a profound impact on his classmates, teachers, SNAs, school management and on anyone else who had the privilege of meeting him. 

“Christian was a remarkable young man who faced many challenges throughout his time with us. However, his strength of character and resilience in facing these challenges head-on were a shining example to us all.

“Christian’s cheeky, infectious smile and his constant good humour brightened up many difficult days in Deele College. He had a very positive and can-do attitude and he was always eager to get involved in all school activities, especially if it involved getting out of class. Christian and his constant partner, his SNA Ms Sharon McLaughlin, could be found in any part of the school, at any time of the day and involved in any activity.

“While we were always aware of Christian’s medical history, we never expected his time in Deele College to come to such a sudden and unexpected end. We, as a school community, are utterly devastated by his passing. And on one of our most difficult days, that cheeky, infectious smile that helped cheer us up in the past was missing from our corridors. 

“As we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate the sincere impact Christian had on our whole school community. His memory will live on in the hearts of his classmates, teachers, SNAs and school management. We will treasure these happy moments forever. 

“We offer our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Christian’s family, his parents Aileen and Gary, his sister Rocha and his brother Riley, and the extended McCullagh and Campbell families. Rest in Peace, Christian.”

Other schools such as Royal and Prior Comprehensive, St Eunan’s College and Mulroy College extended tributes too. 

Raphoe Boxing Club, where Christian’s dad was a head coach, have announced closure for the rest of the week. The family have requested that any donations be made to the Irish Kidney Renal Support Centre at Beaumont Hospital or St Vincent de Paul, Raphoe Branch, c/o any family member or Kelly's Funeral Directors, Oakfield, Raphoe. 

Raphoe Community Playgroup extended sympathies to their former pupil following his untimely passing. “He attended playgroup from the age of three and I don't think " I can't " was ever in his vocabulary, no matter what was asked of him. He was an inspiration to us all and to all those who ever knew Christian during his short life. Your life was enriched by the experience. 

“Sincere and heartfelt condolences to Gary, Aileen, Rocha, Riley and the extended McCullagh and Campbell families. Sleep tight, Christian.”

Raphoe town also paid tribute to the McCullagh family, “on the sad passing of Christian. We all got to know and love Christian over the years; he was such a wee warrior who was a valued and beloved member of our community and his absence will be felt by all. The entire club and Raphoe community shares in your sorrow.

“To the McCullagh and Campbell families, our deepest sympathy is extended. Please know that we are here for you all as you navigate this tremendous loss.”