GAA club pays heartbreaking tribute to ‘selfless’ former star, 20, after death in crash as kind gesture made to family

The PSNI released a statement on the crash
THE GAA club of Padraig McDonald has paid tribute to their former star following his tragic death in a crash on St Stephen’s Day.

McDonald, from Loughmacrory in Co Tyrone, died after a road crash on the Drum Road outside Cookstown on Friday.

The PSNI said that they received a report that a silver Volkswagen Golf and a black Volkswagen Golf had collided at 12.40am.

A few minutes later, a black Vauxhall Corsa collided with one of the vehicles involved in the first collision.

McDonald was travelling in the silver Golf and died in hospital shortly after the incident, Chief Inspector Simpson of the Police Service’s Collision Investigation Unit said.

The 20-year-old’s former club, Loch Mhic Ruairi Naomh Treasa, released a heartfelt and heartbreaking tribute in his honour.

The club offered its best wishes to his parents Paddy and Kerry, both of whom are committee members.

It wrote: “From a family steeped in Loch Mhic Ruairi CLG, it was no surprise Padraig followed their lead and embedded himself in club life.

“A talented player in his underage days, Padraig won back to back Ulster Cumann na mBunscols; a Grade 1 U14 League title (scoring a goal in the final) and a Grade 2 Minor League title.

“Whilst he was no longer a player for Loch Mhic Ruairi, he maintained close links with the club, volunteering when called upon and continuing to give up his time for the community.

“This past year seen him celebrate the All-Ireland success of his brother Pearse with the Tyrone U-17 team, along with supporting his brother and friends as the club minor team completed the Grade 2 League and Championship Double.

“He was of course overjoyed to see our senior men reach the pinnacle of Tyrone football, winning the O’Neill cup, and joined in with the celebrations with the club and wider community.

“He played his part in the build up by putting up many flags and bunting – he even painted a number of his sheep black and amber!

“A keen farmer, Padraig spent much of his days at hard graft, possessing a work ethic admired by all.

“A selfless individual who offered help to many without expectation of praise or credit. Padraig will be greatly missed by his family, friends, the club and the wider community.

“Our heartfelt condolences to Paddy, Kerry, Pearse, Hanna, Shan, Daithi and the wider McDonald / Conway Families.”

The club revealed a touching gesture members would make in honour of McDonald.

The statement added: “On his way home tonight (Fri) Paudie will stop at the club where he will pick up his jersey for the final time.

“All available members are invited to attend for 8.15pm to form a Guard of Honour along the drive – please park in chapel car park/Fr Mallon Park and wear club colours.

“The funeral will take place Monday morning with the wake at Paudie’s home 12pm – 10pm Saturday & Sunday.

“Those wishing to pay their respects should park at Loughmacrory chapel car park where buses will bring you across and back.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

POLICE APPEAL

A teen has also been left with life-changing injuries and another has suffered serious facial injuries after the horror crash, the PSNI said.

Four other occupants of the silver Golf were injured, with a boy in his late sustaining life-changing injuries.

Another boy suffered “serious facial injuries”, while the two other occupants injuries are not thought to be serious at this time, Simpson said.

The Chief Inspector added: “The Drum Road remains closed as our enquiries continue.

“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 30 26/12/25.”