Talented young Inishowen footballer, Lewis Kelly, will be laid to rest in Malin on Saturday.
The hugely popular 18-year-old from Culdaff lost his fight for life on Sunday evening, surrounded by his family, in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
It is understood he passed away just days after taking ill at work.
Lewis, who starred for Malin GAA Club and Culdaff FC, was a student of Carndonagh Community School and was due to sit his Leaving Cert there next month.
His remains will arrive at the Muff border this evening at approx 9.30pm to continue to the family home in Culdaff (F93 R83C).
Funeral from there on Saturday at 1.10pm for 2pm Requiem Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Aughaclay, followed by burial in Lagg graveyard.
Councillor Martin McDermott, Cathaoirleach of the Inishowen MD, said that Lewis’ life touched so many in the local community
Cllr McDermott said: “On behalf of Donegal County Council and the people of Inishowen, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to Lewis’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy. Lewis will be remembered for his kindness, his vibrant spirit, and the positive impact he had on those around him.
“We stand together in grief and offer our support to the Kelly family during this incredibly difficult time. May his memory bring comfort and strength to all who knew him.”
Tributes have poured in from sports clubs across the peninsula.
The Malin GAA club said that Lewis, in his short life, “filled our hearts so much”.
“We’ll miss your witty charm, your ever smiling face and the wonderful attitude you had, bringing so much joy around our place,” they said.
“We don’t know why this happened, why God made this call, all we know is the best full forward in heaven is about to lose the ball.”
The Malin GAA clubhouse will be open daily from 8:30am–9:30pm over the coming days and a book of condolences is in place for those who wish to express their sympathies, share memories, or offer support.
A book of condolences is also open at the Culdaff Football Club clubhouse.
Lewis Kelly proudly represented Carndonagh Community School in Gaelic football, hurling and soccer, played Gaelic football at minor level with Malin GAA, and lined out for Culdaff Soccer Club.
Lewis’ school community at Carndonagh Community School remembered him as a kind, humble and talented young sportsman who left a lasting mark on his school and wider community: “Lewis was a gentle giant.
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“In school, he carried himself with kindness, respect and quiet confidence. He greeted teachers, staff and fellow students every day with warmth and good manners. He always came to school with a positive attitude, ready to get on with the day, and ready to support those around him. He was deeply respected by his teachers, appreciated by all the school staff, and valued greatly by his friends and classmates.
“There are some people whose presence makes a place better simply because they are there. Lewis was one of those people.”
Lewis also worked part-time in McGuinness’s Bar in Culdaff, where staff said “a bright star has dimmed but the light he shed will live forever.”
Read the full funeral notice below:
The death has occurred of Lewis Kelly 27 Dunailainn, Culdaff, peacefully at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin surrounded by his loving family.
Devastated and heartbroken by his passing are his parents Michelle and Hugh, his sister Zevagh, brothers Quinn and Regan and his girlfriend Darcey.
Cherished grandson of Breege, Michael (RIP), Mary and Brian (RIP).
Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his aunts, uncles and cousins, wider family circle, friends and neighbours.
May Lewis Rest In Eternal Peace.
Lewis’s remains will arrive at the Muff border this evening (Wednesday) at approx 9.30pm to continue to the family home in Culdaff (F93 R83C).
Funeral from there on Saturday (May 9th) at 1.10pm for 2pm Requiem Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Aughaclay followed by burial in Lagg graveyard.
Requiem Mass can be viewed live on Eamonn McLaughlin Funeral Director’s Facebook Page. Family time from 10pm to 11am and on the morning of the Funeral.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to Richmond ICU Beaumont Hospital C/O any family member or Eamonn McLaughlin Funeral Director.