TRIPLE TRAGEDY
Britain’s Got Talent star, 18, dies in horror crash in third tragedy to hit mourning family after death of dad & sister
The teenager has been praised for being a 'light in his community' following his sudden death
A TEENAGE Britain's Got Talent star has been killed in a horrific early hours car crash just weeks after his dad passed away.
Oran McConville, 18, sustained fatal injuries after the car he was travelling in crashed near Hilltown, County Down, on Saturday morning.
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He had found fame as a child when his school choir took part in the 2017 series of the ITV talent show.
His family were already recovering from the tragic loss of his dad Paddy on February 21, just weeks before Oran's sudden death.
The singer's "happy, intelligent" 11-year-old sister Rachael was also killed in a tragic road accident after being knocked down by a Volkswagen people carrier in April, 2009.
Speaking at his Requiem Mass, in Drumgath, County Down, parish priest Fr Charles Byrne said: "Oran's tragic death early on Saturday morning has brought devastating shock and grief to his family, to his friends, to our local community here and the wider community around it.
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"As we all know, just six weeks ago we were here for Oran's father Paddy and 16 years ago you had the death of young Rachael.
"At this time we are all lost for words. Words are woefully inadequate to express the pain and the sorrow in our hearts that we have for you."
Oran's appearance on Britain's Got Talent saw his choir from St Patrick's Primary School in County Down, Northern Ireland, reach the semi-finals.
When St. Patrick’s Junior Choir Drumgreenagh performed Somewhere Only We Know by Keane during their audition, Simon Cowell praised them, saying: "You are having a good time, and that is the most important thing.
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"That was a great audition."
Oran had also been a member of Drumgath GAA Club, which described the teenager as "a bright light in our community".
The club said: “Órán’s contribution to Drumgath GAC on the field was nothing short of outstanding.
"A talented and dedicated footballer, he wore the jersey with immense pride.”
The club explained Oran had also travelled to Kenya with his school, St Mark's High in Warrenpoint, as part of a volunteer trip which "showcased his compassion far beyond his own community".
It added: "Órán’s sudden death has left our entire club and wider community in deep shock and sorrow.
Drumgath GAA Club's tribute to Oran
"It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we, the committee and members of Drumgath GAC, share the devastating news of the untimely passing of Órán McConville.
"Órán was so much more than a young man- he was a bright light in our community. Kind, gentle, full of humour, and always up for a chat, Órán had that rare ability to make everyone feel at ease in his company.
"He had time for people, young and old, and brought joy to those lucky enough to have known him.
"Whether it was on the football pitch or in the heart of the community, Órán carried himself with warmth, respect, and quiet charm.
"Órán’s contribution to Drumgath GAC on the field was nothing short of outstanding.
"A talented and dedicated footballer, he wore the jersey with immense pride.
"From the moment he could walk, Órán was part of our club - first as a supporter, watching his older siblings, Rachael and Shéa, represent Drumgath and later as a player in his own right.
"Órán was a teammate everyone could count on- his legacy on the pitch will never be forgotten.
"Beyond the pitch, he was someone who gave generously of his time.
"He was a brilliant young volunteer, always willing to lend a hand.
"He gave his energy and enthusiasm to our Cúl Camps, where he was loved by all the children- always patient, full of fun, and a brilliant role model.
"Last year, he travelled to Kenya with St. Mark’s on a life-changing volunteer trip, showcasing his compassion far beyond his own community.
"Órán’s sudden death has left our entire club and wider community in deep shock and sorrow.
"A young man full of promise, kindness, and spirit, Órán had so much life ahead of him.
"He was a cherished friend to many, a teammate, and a beloved son and brother.
"This tragedy is made all the more poignant as it comes just six weeks after the passing of his father, Paddy, and 16 years after the heartbreaking loss of his sister, Rachael.
"Our hearts go out to his loving mother, Amanda, and his devoted brother, Shéa- for any family to endure such loss is beyond comprehension.
"To Órán- thank you for the laughter, the smiles, and the memories. You will never be forgotten."
"A young man full of promise, kindness, and spirit, Órán had so much life ahead of him. He was a cherished friend to many, a teammate, and a beloved son and brother.
“This tragedy is made all the more poignant as it comes just six weeks after the passing of his father, Paddy, and 16 years after the heartbreaking loss of his sister, Rachael."
Colleagues at a petrol station where Oran worked, and where his mum currently works, said the teenager was "full of talent, kindness, and an infectious positivity".
Posting on social media, the filling station said: "Oran was a valued member of the Milestone team since June 2022 – full of talent, kindness, and an infectious positivity that touched everyone who had the pleasure of working with him.
"Though his time with us was far too short, he made a lasting impact both professionally and personally.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his mother Amanda, our much-loved work colleague, and to his brother Shea, a former member of our team.
"We are keeping them, and all of Oran’s family and friends, in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. Oran will be deeply missed, but never forgotten."
Oran had completed his A-levels at St Mark's last summer, and the school described him as "quite simply a gentleman who will be sorely missed".
In a post on social media, the school celebrated Oran's performances for its Gaelic football and soccer teams, saying he helped to bring many trophies to their cabinet.
The school added: "In his final year in school he was part of the successful U18 soccer team who won the South Down Cup, the first time in our school’s history.
"He loved pulling on the purple jersey, just like his brother and daddy.
In November of last year, Órán travelled to Kenya with the St. Mark’s team, immersing himself in the culture and making a lasting impression on everyone he met.
"He helped build a house and he taught in the primary school where his personality shone through."
The emotional tribute continued: "Every day was a new adventure and his love of travelling was just beginning.
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"Órán was quite simply a gentleman who will be sorely missed.
"He was fiercely proud of his purple blood! Our thoughts and prayers are with Órán’s mummy Amanda and his brother Shéa, his wider family circle and his dear friends."
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