Tributes paid to teenage road victim

TRIBUTES have been paid to Rathmore Grammar School pupil Christopher McCloskey, who was killed in a tragic car accident on Wednesday.

Christopher, 17, from Glenavy, died after the Peugeot 306 car he was driving was involved in a collision with a Toyota Land Cruiser at the junction of the Glenavy Road with the Kilcorly Road, Hungry House Lane, School Lane and Whinney Hill at about 3.20pm on Wednesday (March 31). A 59-year-old man was taken to hospital after the collision, however his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Rathmore Grammar School principal Mrs Therese Hamilton said Christopher was a "very popular pupil" who was well liked by everyone at the school.

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"People gravitated towards him," she said. "He had a quiet manner but he wasn't shy. He was very inclusive and made sure everyone was involved and didn't like people to be left out. He was always very concerned about other people.

"He was a great representative of the school and he was very dependable. He enjoyed his A level subjects - art, technology, physics and maths. He was very creative and a very talented artist. He also enjoyed music and was a great sportsman, who loved to ski.

"His friends are too devastated to even speak," she added.

Christopher was also a dedicated member of St Joseph's GAC and had played for the club since he was a young child.

Terry Cormican from the club said everyone was "devastated" by the loss.

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"He was very highly thought of at the club," said Mr Cormican. "He was a very quiet, unassuming lad and everyone is just devastated.

"He had played at every level of the club, from under 8s to senior level. He was here from when he was a child and he was very dedicated to the club.

"

He was a friend to everyone and will be sadly missed by his many friends and fellow players and minor management. Chris's father Noel is a member of the minor management.

"The club officers, members, team managements and players offer their sincere condolences to his father Noel, his mother Deirdre, sisters Fionnula and Ciara and the McCloskey and McAreavey families."

Christopher's funeral will be held on Sunday (April 4) at 1pm.

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