The hugely popular teacher has been remembered “as a person of great integrity, compassion, and humour…who always strived to get the best out of his students”
11:38, 22 May 2026Updated 08:25, 23 May 2026
Kevin Gahan
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to ‘a true gentleman’ and ‘an inspiring teacher’ who passed away earlier this week.
Kevin Gahan, from Enniscorthy in Co Wexford, sadly passed away on Tuesday, May 19, with his family announcing his tragic news in a notice shared on RIP.ie.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the tragic death of Kevin, on the 19th May 2026,” they wrote.
“Deeply missed by his heartbroken family. Beloved husband of Elaine Dunne, parents Tom & Kath, brother Thomas, sister Elaine, brother in law Richie Murphy, sisters in law Mairead, Clodagh & Michelle, adored nephews Owen, Tomas, Pàidì and James & niece Mollie, parents in law Gay & Edel, the extended families, his many friends, his friends, colleagues & students in Gorey Community School to whom he was deeply committed and to the many people who knew and loved him.”
Mr Gahan, who married his partner Elaine last July, was a hugely popular teacher who worked at Gorey Community School for a number of years, where he taught science, physics and biology.
A number of Mr Gahan’s former co-workers paid tribute to the popular educator following the sad news of his death, with many remebing hims a dedicated teacher who inspired both his students and colleagues.
Kevin Gahan passed away on Tuesday
One person said: “So saddened to hear of Kevin’s untimely death. I have fond memories of working with him in Gorey CS. A good colleague and an inspiring teacher.
“Heartfelt sympathy to you Elaine on your inexpressible loss. Thinking also of the heartbroken Gahan and Dunne families at this time. May Kevin’s gentle soul rest in peace.”
Another colleague added: “Words cannot express how much Kevin will be missed. His passion for teaching and genuine kindness touched so many lives at GCS. It was a privilege to work with him. My deepest condolences to Elaine, the Gahan and Dunne families, his friends and colleagues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
A third said: “I had the pleasure of working with Kevin for many years and agree wholeheartedly with all the wonderful tributes that people have given.
“Along with having the privilege of working with him, he taught my son and I got to see first hand what so many students talk about.
“He was one of a kind and went out of his way to encourage him. Thinking back, over the years I noticed a trend in our workplace, when ever someone spoke of him it was always with acknowledgement of what a lovely man he was.
“It always struck me when it happened that he was universally liked, and from the outpouring of condolence I see that it clearly extended beyond the workplace too.
Mr Gahan was a hugely popular figure among his students and colleagues
“To all of Kevin’s family, my children and I are so sorry for the pain you are going through. Our prayers will be with you all.”
While a fourth teacher at Gorey Community School said: “Kevin was a wonderful teacher, but also a person of great integrity, compassion, and humour. He touched the lives of so many students and colleagues in GCS, and his kindness and wisdom will never be forgotten.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife Elaine during this incredibly difficult time. My deepest sympathy to the Gahan and Dunne families. May they find comfort in the many lives he enriched and in the lasting memories he leaves behind.”He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in Peace Kevin.”
Many of Kevin’s former students also shared moving tributes to the Wexford native, with his former pupils remembering his passion for teaching and the encouragement he gave to those in his classroom.
“Mr Gahan was a kind and brilliant teacher, who always strived to get the best out of his students, my classmates and I will always remember him as one of the best. May he rest in peace and god protect his family,” one of his former pupils said.
Another added: “Deepest sympathies to Elaine and all the Gahan and Dunne families. Kevin was a true gentleman. I loved going to his classes because he was so passionate about what he taught and his classes were always so interesting. It was also so touching to see his deep love for his wife. Rest in peace Mr Gahan.”
Kevin was due to celebrate his first wedding anniversary in July
While a third said: “My sincerest condolences to Elaine, and all of Kevin’s family and friends. I have countless fond memories of Mr Gahan’s physics class in room 216. He had such a genuine passion for teaching and always encouraged every student to fulfil their potential. He always went above and beyond when explaining concepts and carrying out experiments.
“One thing that always stood out to me was Mr Gahan’s remarkable ability to recall where every past pupil sat in his lab throughout the years; a small detail which perfectly captured how much he cared for his students. His dry sense of humour made every class memorable, and I will never forget the kindness he showed me around the time of my Leaving Cert.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He will be remembered fondly by so many whose lives he positively impacted.
“May he rest in peace.”
Mr Gahan’s family have said that his funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
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