Community 'deeply shocked' by death of boy after playground incident

Teachers and fellow pupils of a teenage boy who died after he was injured during a playground incident have said they are profoundly saddened.

Oisin McGrath, 13, was a pupil at St Michael’s College in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, and was hurt while playing Gaelic football during his lunch break on Monday.

He died on Thursday and his parish priest said his organs were donated to help five people.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested and later bailed pending further police inquiries into what happened.

Young Oisin McGrath's death is heartbreaking. I'll be praying for his family and all those devastated by this sad news tonight.

— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) February 12, 2015

Chairman of the board of governors at St Michael’s, Monsignor Joseph McGuinness, said: “The entire school community is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Oisin, a Year 9 student.

“Oisin was a very bright and talented student with a great love of sport.”

Very sad to hear young Oisin McGrath has died.My deepest sympathy to his parents,family,friends & @BelcooGAA.#heartbreaking

— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) February 12, 2015

Monsignor McGuinness added: “Oisin was a lively, out-going boy who was very popular with both staff and students and they have been profoundly saddened by his death.”

Local priest Fr Seamus Quinn said that Oisin’s family are finding it hard to come to terms with what has happened.

“There are no words to describe what they’re going through,” he said.

“They’re devastated, utterly devastated, they’re numb, they’re in shock.”

The keen Gaelic footballer from the village of Belcoo in Fermanagh on the North’s western border with the Republic was treated in the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Belfast.

St Michael’s is a Catholic boys’ grammar school with 700 pupils.

The school has been providing counselling and support.

Oisin McGrath RIP. Who might that young man have been? All Ireland Captain? Chief Executive of global firm? Great and loving hubby & father?

— Mike Nesbitt (@mikenesbittni) February 12, 2015

The cleric added: “Our hearts go out to Oisin’s parents Nigel and Sharon, his sisters, grandparents and wider family circle.

“They are foremost in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.”

He represented the school as part of its Gaelic team and was a key player for his GAA club, Belcoo.

It is with regret and deep sadness that we were informed this evening that 13yr old Oisin McGrath has passed away http://t.co/PwTzke9DNN

— BelcooGAA (@BelcooGAA) February 11, 2015

He also played soccer for Enniskillen Athletic and was a leading member of St Michaels’ Ulster School’s competition-winning cross-country squad.

His funeral will take place in Belcoo on Sunday.