Derry football and school communities devastated by tragic loss of friends

A wave of profound sorrow has swept across Derry following the tragic deaths of 18-year-old friends Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter-McLoone. The two past pupils of St Brigid’s College lost their lives following a road traffic collision in St Johnston, County Donegal, on Tuesday night.

St Brigid’s College expressed its profound heartbreak and shared memories of the two 18-year-old men, describing them as "much-loved members of our school family" who brought "warmth, laughter, and joy to everyone they encountered."

In a moving tribute, St Brigid’s College said: “We remember Daniel and Caoimhin with great fondness and affection. They were both much-loved members of our school family, young men who brought warmth, laughter, and joy to everyone they encountered.

“Both boys always had a smile on their faces, and their kindness, friendship, and bright spirits left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing them.”

The school extended its "heartfelt and sincere condolences" to the families and friends of the teenagers, praying for "strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time."

READ NEXT: Funeral arrangements announced for Derry teen killed in Donegal crash

St. Thérèse's Primary School in Lenamore paid tribute to past pupil Caoimhin.

In a social media post they said: “Our entire school community is devastated to hear of the untimely passing of past pupil Caoimhin Porter. We remember him as a kind and caring boy who loved.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this heartbreaking time. May he rest in peace.

“We also remember his friend Daniel, who also lost his life, and another friend who remains critically ill at this time.”

The Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, speaking on Barrscéalta on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, emphasised that the people of Derry would stand in solidarity with the grieving families.

"With the troubles, we have strong parishes here, not that they go to Church every Sunday but that they come together at times like this and the community is able to come together and support each other.

“They will get through these very difficult days, especially with the Funeral Masses at the weekend.

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“There are people in this city who have lost family members in recent years, and they understand this, and that it’s not worth saying anything, but standing with the families and saying: ‘I understand, I understand, I understand’.

“It is incredibly difficult for the families and their friends and for young people who are under pressure, and we must come together as a city community and as God’s community in the parishes to support the families.”

Don Boscos Football Club in Derry also paid a touching tribute at the loss of their former player Caoimhin.

“Everyone at Don Boscos is devastated at the news,” the club said. “Caoimhin was an extremely talented and popular player with our 2007 group for a number of years and to this day he remained very good friends with his teammates from that squad.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, his former coaches, teammates and friends at this sad time.”

The funeral of Caoimhin Porter-McLoone will take place at 11am on Saturday, February 28 in St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill for Requiem Mass. Interment afterwards in the City Cemetery.

Caoimhin's remains will repose at his home at 5 Moyola Avenue on Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27 from 111am to 9pm.

He was the beloved son of Stephanie and the late Darren, loving brother of Chloe, Hunter, Shea, Darren and Ben, dear grandson of Eamon and the late Jacqueline Porter and Isobel McCloskey, a cherished nephew and cousin.

Meanwhile, the funeral arrangements for the second crash victim, Daniel Cullen, will be made later from his sister Bridie's home, 33 Carranbane Walk, Shantallow.

Daniel was the beloved son of John Morrow and Sharon Cullen and the loving brother of Joe, John Paul (Twin), Bridie and Doniella.