Padraig McDonald: Funeral arrangements released for young Co Tyrone man 'with work ethic admired by all' who died in Cookstown road traffic collision
The 20-year-old man who died following a road traffic collision in the Cookstown area in the early hours of Boxing Day will be laid to rest on Monday.
Padraig McDonald passed away in hospital following a crash on the Drum Road.
He was from the Loughmacrory area of Co Tyrone.
A family notice remembers Mr McDonald as “cherished son of Paddy and Kerry McDonald, dear brother of Pearse, Hanna, Shan and Daithí. Beloved grandson of Margaret Conway and the late Pat Conway R.I.P. and Paddy McDonald and the late Anne McDonald R.I.P..”
His remains will repose at his late residence, 29 Camlough Road, Loughmacrory for those who wish to pay their respects.
The funeral will take place from there on Monday, December 29 for 11am Requiem Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Loughmacrory. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if so desired to Termonmaguirc Cancer Patients Comfort Fund. C/o John Donaghy Funeral Directors, 53 Coolaharan Road, Loughmacrory, BT79 9LP. Contact: 07585669418.
Mr McDonald was a past player and current club member of Loch Mhic Ruairi Naomh Treasa CLG.
In a poignant tribute, as his remains returned home on Friday night, the cortege stopped at the club’s Pairc an Locha ground to pick up his jersey for the final time.
A spokesperson for the club spoke of the sadness felt by committee, players and members on hearing of Mr McDonald’s sudden and tragic passing.
"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 collision, which has shocked many people within Co Tyrone, also left two teenagers with serious injuries.
Chief Inspector Simpson of the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “Shortly before 12.40am, we received a report of a two-vehicle collision on the Drum Road between a silver Volkswagen Golf and a black Volkswagen Golf.
"A few minutes later, a black Vauxhall Corsa also collided with one of the vehicles involved in the first collision.
"The five occupants of the silver Golf reported injuries at the scene. Sadly, one man passed away in hospital a short time later. He was Padraig McDonald, aged 20 and from the Loughmacrory area.
"A boy aged in his late teens has sustained life-changing injuries, while a second boy in his late teens suffered serious facial injuries.
"The injuries to the other two occupants are not thought to be serious at this time.
"The occupants of the black Golf and black Corsa are not believed to have suffered serious injury.”
Police are appealing for anyone who can assist with their enquiries into the crash to come forward.
"“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,” added Chief Insp Simpson.