Abbey VS pays moving tribute following death of ‘valued student,’ Kaitlyn Glackin

The Abbey Vocational School community is mourning the untimely passing of much-loved student, Kaitlyn Glackin. 

Kaitlyn, of Aughlim, Donegal Town, died on Wednesday, March 4 following a long illness borne with great courage. She was just 15 years of age. 

Principal Alan Thompson posted a beautiful tribute on behalf of the school, saying: “The students and staff of the Abbey Vocational School are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our valued students, Kaitlyn Glackin after an illness. Kaitlyn bore her illness with great dignity and courage. Her gentle acceptance of her illness at the end was the acceptance of someone at peace.

“Kaitlyn was a third year student in our school and a much valued member of our school community. She was a model student and a lovely young lady who exhibited our school’s core values of care, respect and community in all of her daily interactions with her friends and with staff.

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“Kaitlyn was very well liked by both students and staff. She was a polite and mannerly student who always cooperated well with her teachers. She was eager to do well and always tried her best. 

“Kaitlyn had a warm and wry sense of humour but was always respectful at all times. Kaitlyn’s easy going and good humoured manner will be very much missed by her classmates, friends and all of the staff here at the Abbey Vocational School.”

Mr Thomspon said the school had enacted a Critical Incident Plan and is engaging with the agencies including the National Educational Psychological Services and Donegal ETB to support all students and staff who have been affected by this sad and challenging time for the school community.

“Our school will close at 12.15pm on Friday to allow students and staff the opportunity to attend the funeral to pay their respects to Kaitlyn and will re-open for an hour after the internment has taken place to allow students and staff to gather should they wish to do so,” said Mr Thompson.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kaitlyn’s parents, her sisters Clodagh and Niamh and brother Tiernan at this sad and difficult time.

“May Kaitlyn rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

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Kaitlyn will be laid to rest in Clar Cemetery on Friday, March 6 following Mass at 2pm in St Agatha’s Church. Mass can be viewed on the parish webcam.

Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if so desired to Barretstown Children’s Charity care of George Irwin Funeral Directors or any family member.