Derry school's musical tribute to late popular teacher Sean O’Kane

St. Joseph’s Boys School held a musical tribute at the school to the late Sean O’Kane, a well-respected teacher and ‘dear friend’ who gave so much to the school. Sean passed away after a long illness in January, 2022.

Sean worked as an English teacher at the school for many years. He also taught drama and was a lynchpin in coaching the many successful school football teams over the past few years.

Although the much-esteemed teacher lost his battle with cancer just over a year ago, he gave of his final years in fundraising for research into fighting the disease, taking part in the first ever Cancer Research Relay For Life Legenderry back in 2017.

In attendance at last week's musical event was the Mayor of the city, Councillor Sandra Duffy, members of Sean’s family including his mother and father, teaching staff and pupils from St. Joseph’s and a number of former teachers/friends of Sean’s.

The event, organised by the school’s Music Department in collaboration with Creative Schools and St. Columb’s School of Music, saw Year 10 students writing and producing a wonderful song in memory of their former teacher and delivering on the day with aplomb.

Musical accompaniment was given by a host of the school’s talented musicians under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Ross. 

Speaking at the event, Principal Mrs. Ciara Deane said Sean’s memory will always live on in St. Joseph’s.

Celebrating the life of the late Sean O’Kane at St. Joseph’s Boys School. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

“Sean was an esteemed teacher and a very valued member of our English Department here at St. Joseph’s.

"He will always be remembered with great fondness and appreciation for the person and advocate he was by all who knew him.

"Indeed, I include in that all who had the privilege of having him as their teacher, and for everything he brought to his role and to the school, be it English, drama or sport. To all of us he was a dear friend.

“I’m sure he would be very proud of what our students produced here today in his honour.”

Adding her voice to those sentiments, the city and district’s Mayor Sandra Duffy said it was an emotional afternoon for all involved but also a fitting tribute to a much-loved teacher.

The Mayor, Sandra Duffy and Mrs. Ciara Deane, Principal, St. Joseph’s Boys School, pictured at the Sean O’Kane Musical Tribute at the school.

“I was proud to join Sean’s family, colleagues and former pupils for this beautiful musical tribute in his memory. It was an emotional event and a fitting tribute in the school where he inspired so many pupils with his passion for English, drama and football.

“The performance included a beautiful song written by the pupils for Sean that demonstrated just how well he connected with them and how much they loved him.”