The Donegal schools attended by the late Alana Harkin and Thomas Gallagher have paid heart-wrenching personal tributes to them on the eve of their funerals.
The 18-year-olds died following a single vehicle car crash in Gleneely in the early hours of Monday morning last.
Another young man escaped the wreckage and was treated for non life-threatening injuries while another friend had been left off at her home just moments before the fatal crash.
The friends will be buried following separate funeral masses tomorrow (Friday).
Both Carndonagh Community School and Moville Community College have paid emotional tributes to the pair.
Alana had completed her Leaving Cert at Carndonagh Community School last summer and had started college.
A post on the school’s official Facebook page said her big personality eclipsed her diminutive stature.
It read “Alana touched our lives in so many ways during her time with us. She was not just a student, she was a shining light in our school community.
“Her infectious smile, boundless enthusiasm, and unwavering determination left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. This week we say goodbye to not only a past pupil but also a good friend, a cherished member of our school community, and a source of inspiration to us all.”
The Management and Staff at Carndonagh Community School said they wished to express their sincere condolences to the Harkin and Gallagher families following the tragic events on Sunday night.
It added that their recent past pupil had left an enduring mark on the school with her bubbly character and good humour.
It added “Her big personality eclipsed her diminutive stature, typified by her memorable performance as Gretl in The Sound of Music. Her performance on the ski slopes in Austria will also be fondly remembered. Alana had a serious side too. She genuinely was the perfect School Prefect, taking on every challenge the role presented. One breaktime supervision was required every week – Alana did all five. She was also a five-star member of the team at Simpson’s Restaurant.
“She will be missed by all who knew her, and by all who briefly met her. Alana possessed a kindness and empathy that was unparalleled. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel valued and included, and she never hesitated to offer a helping hand to those in need. Alana played an active role in Student Voice and successfully advocated on behalf of the student body, making many contributions to improving the student experience within the school.
“As we bid farewell to Alana, let us take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in our hearts and in the countless lives she touched. We honour her memory by continuing to live our lives with the same kindness, compassion, and determination that Alana exemplified. While we grieve, let us also remember the joy, love, and inspiration she brought into our lives.
“Let her memory serve as a reminder that life is precious and fragile, and that we must cherish every moment and the people we hold dear. Rest in peace, Alana. You will forever remain in our hearts, and your light will continue to shine in the lives of those you touched. It is heart-breaking to think that such a bright flame has been extinguished far too soon.”
Meanwhile, Moville Community College remembered Thomas who was preparing to sit his Leaving Certificate next June.
He too was remembered fondly in a moving post written on the school’s official Facebook page.
He was recalled as mature beyond his years but also had a fantastic sense of humour and a smile that could brighten any room.
The tribute reads “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Thomas Gallagher, a valued member of our sixth year class group and a beloved member of our school community.
“For Thomas this was a time of great opportunity and excitement whilst getting ready to embark on the next stage of his life. Thomas is described by his teachers as mature beyond his years – a real presence in the classroom. He had a fantastic sense of humour and a smile that could brighten up any room. His kindness and personality meant that he was loved and respected by both his teachers and his peers.
“It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest sympathy to his mother Helen, who is a dear member of our school staff, his father Dominick, his brothers Roán, Dominick, Emmet and his sister Emily as they come to terms with the loss of their dearest Thomas.”
