School principal pays tribute to ‘beautiful little boy’ Ronan Wilson

“There are special people in our lives who never leave us even after they are gone. Ronan was indeed that special person.”

Those were the opening words of a tribute paid at Ronan Wilson’s Funeral Mass on Thursday by principal of St Mary’s School, Dunamore, Mrs Eileen Ward.

She described Ronan, who tragically died in a hit and run collision in Bundoran on Saturday, September 23, as ‘one beautiful little boy who enriched the entire school community.’

Ronan Wilson remembered as a boy who loved life and was loved by all

The nine-year-old from Kildress, Co Tyrone died tragically in a hit-and-run collision in Bundoran

“He was a character, of that no one would argue,” said Mrs Ward.

“He had such a huge personality and although small in stature, it was hard not to notice him when he entered the room.

“Everybody loved Ronan but many of you here today will know that Kathleen has been the classroom assistant in Ronan’s class since he started Primary 1 in September 2018.

“She has a special bond with him which I know she will carry in her heart forever. The two of them had many laughs together throughout the years, and I'm led to believe, many behind the teachers’ backs too!

“But Ronan was always respectful and knew when to draw the line, especially when he would get ‘that look’ from Kathleen.”

Mrs Ward said that if Ronan had to pick between a spelling test and playing a match there would be no contest. 

“He loved sport and the outdoors but he always listened well to the teacher and tried his very best in school ,” she said.

The school principal told mourners that Ronan wore his heart on his sleeve. He could converse freely with peers and adults.

Mrs Ward added: “He had endless stories to share and couldn't wait to tell them, from the dogs and the new pups, how the chippy van was doing and what was the best thing to order on the menu; his adventures with the mice; the truck runs and all the special holidays he had with his loving family. 

“Kathleen heard it all and maybe more than she should at time.”
Mrs Ward shared a notable aspect of Ronan’s time at the school.

“What stands out is how he took Annabelle, his bestie, under his wing, sorting out her books giving her the odd nudge when needed, and making sure she was having fun in the playground. 

“Ronan was a great friend to all in his class and there is no doubt they will miss him dreadfully.”

Mourners heard that the school community had learned a lot from Ronan.

“We may have been the educators and school but Ronan has taught us so much more,” said Mrs Ward.

“He taught us how to embrace life and to be happy. He taught us the importance of friendship and to help others who may need it. 

“He taught us how to laugh and to have fun and how to be confident and content in our own skin.

“He showed us that good manners and honesty are easily carried and that helping and caring for one another is so important.

“We have been eternally blessed to have had Ronan in our lives and although we will miss that endearing and infectious smile, we will cherish the short time that we were given with him.

“We will miss him terribly in the classroom or kicking a ball out in the playground but we know that he will be our angel walking beside us as we walk throughout the corridors and classrooms of the school.

“There are many who live long lives and may not have been as loved as Ronan.”

Mrs Ward told mourners that Ronan had touched the lives of many, and would always be loved and remembered by all his friends and family in St Mary's Primary School.