Tributes paid to tragedy victims

Tributes paid to tragedy victims

12 June 2013

HUNDREDS of mourners paid tribute to two Down families united in grief last week week.

Kevin O’Hare (15) and Colin Polland (39) were laid two rest in two separate funeral services following the quarry tragedy which claimed their lives on June 1.

Kevin was swimming with friends on that sunny Saturday afternoon in the disused quarry outside Newcastle when he got into trouble. After the alarm was raised Mr. Polland jumped into the cold water try to save him, but both drowned.

At St. Michael’s Church in Finnis, outside Dromara, pupils from St. Malachy’s High School, where Kevin O’Hare was a pupil, joined children from St. Michael’s Primary School and members of Dromara GAA club in a guard of honour.

One of the pallbearers who carried Kevin’s coffin amidst emotional scenes outside the church was the teenager’s father Eugene O”Hare. He was followed by Kevin’s three brothers and his mother Donna.

Fr. Peter McNeill said the teenager, a rising GAA star, had made an impact on others during his short life.

“There was something about him that touched the lives of others,” Fr. McNeill said.

Fr. McNeill said Kevin was also a devoted son. “He always let his mummy know how special she was,” he said.

Praising him for his skills and enthusiasm in football, Fr. McNeill added: “I think back to the night of the juvenile presentation when he received the Patrick Laverty cup — this strapping lad, the smile on his face when he won, but also the humility when he won it because he didn’t declare he was better than his team-mates.”

Friends of the footballer brought some of his treasured possessions to the altar, including at St. Malachy’s GAA jersey, a Gaelic football and his football gloves and shoes.

Meanwhile at St. Patrick’s Church, Bryansford, Fr. John Cunningham relayed the Polland family’s condolences to Kevin’s loved ones following the double tragedy.

Colin Polland, who had lived in London for more than a decade, was enjoying a holiday with his family near Paul’s Quarry on the outskirts of Annalong when he heard the cries for help.

Fr. Cunningham told the large crowd that had gathered: “Colin, or as his friends would call him, CP, was always positive and always smiling. He had had an infectious personality and a mischievous grin.

“He was always happiest when he was with Adele [his wife]. He loved catching up with his friends, many of whom were lifelong friends.

“An ideal night for CP would involve a few Guinness with friends and a bit of music.”

He added that the father of two “adored his children and was so very proud of the young adults they are becoming”.