Heartbroken community pays tribute as 18-year-old Down crash victim is named

Órán McConville died following a single-vehicle collision on Saturday, April 5.

Órán McConville died following a single-vehicle collision on Saturday, April 5.

The 18-year-old GAA player was travelling in the front seat of a car that crashed near Hilltown in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police were called to the accident on the Kilkeel Road around 2am on Saturday.

In a statement, PSNI said: “Officers attended, alongside colleagues from our partner emergency services.

“The front seat passenger of the car was sadly pronounced dead at the scene whilst the driver, a man aged 18, was arrested and remains in custody at this time.”

In a touching tribute on Facebook, Drumgath GAA Club, which he was a member of, described him as 'a bright light in our community'.

“Órán’s contribution to Drumgath GAA 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," they continued.

The club added: “His achievements began in 2018, being a part of the under-13 team who went on to win the league.

“In 2019, he was a key member of the Drumclone under-14 Féile team, helping secure the County title and reach the All-Ireland semi-final.

“In 2021, he was part of the under-15 team that lifted the All County B Championship cup. He went on to play in the under-17 Championship Final, and was part of the winning team in the Daniel Bailie Tournament in 2022. He also helped secure the under-17 B Championship title in 2023.

“In 2024, he played a central role in the under-18 Division 2 League win before proudly making the step up to senior level, contributing to our Intermediate Championship success and promotion.”

Órán was a past pupil of St Mark’s High School in Warrenpoint, where he had completed his A-levels last summer.

The school also paid tribute on Facebook, writing: “He was incredibly hard working and had a drive to be successful, which he achieved in every aspect of his life.

“Órán represented our school with pride on the Gaelic football field and soccer pitch returning many trophies to our cabinet over the years.

“In his final year in school he was part of the successful under-18 soccer team who won the South Down Cup, the first time in our school’s history.”

The school shared that Órán had recently taken part in a charity trip to Africa.

“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. Every day was a new adventure and his love of travelling was just beginning."

“Every day was a new adventure and his love of travelling was just beginning," the post concluded.