Órán McConville, who rose to fame as a child on Britain’s Got Talent, has died in a car crash aged 18.
He first captured hearts in 2017 when he and the St Patrick's Primary School choir reached the semi-finals, capturing the hearts of viewers with their rendition of Keane's Somewhere Only We Know in their audition.
He died in the early hours of Saturday morning, April 5, after the car he was travelling in was involved in a crash.
The teenager is believed to have been sitting in the front passenger seat at the time.
His death has sent shockwaves through his community in County Down, Northern Ireland, coming just weeks after the passing of his father, Paddy McConville, in February.
The family had already endured heartbreak 16 years ago when Órán’s sister Rachael died when she was knocked down by a car aged 11.
Órán was the youngest of three children, with the teenager survived by his mother and older brother.
Days before his tragic death, his mother had paid tribute to her recently deceased husband, Paddy, writing: “Paddy and Rachael, Together Again.”
A Requiem Mass was held in Drumgath where parish priest Fr Charles Byrne spoke of the immense grief: “Órán’s tragic death early on Saturday morning has brought devastating shock and grief to his family, to his friends, to our local community here and the wider community around it."
He added: "As we all know, just six weeks ago we were here for Órán’s father Paddy and 16 years ago you had the death of young Rachael.
“At this time we are all lost for words. Words are woefully inadequate to express the pain and the sorrow in our hearts that we have for you.”
Tributes have poured in from across the local area, with friends, businesses, and community groups expressing their condolences.
Drumgath GAC, where Órán played and later coached, described him as “so much more than a young man – he was a bright light in our community.”
Their tribute continued: “Kind, gentle, full of humour, and always up for a chat, Órán had that rare ability to make everyone feel at ease in his company. He had time for people, young and old, and brought joy to those lucky enough to have known him.”
They highlighted his achievements in sport and the lasting impact of his character: “Órán’s sudden death has left our entire club and wider community in deep shock and sorrow. A young man full of promise, kindness, and spirit, Órán had so much life ahead of him.”
The GAA club also reflected on the tragedy that has hit the McConville family: “This tragedy is made all the more poignant as it comes just six weeks after the passing of his father, Paddy, and 16 years after the heartbreaking loss of his sister, Rachael.”
“Our hearts go out to his loving mother, Amanda, and his devoted brother, Shéa – for any family to endure such loss is beyond comprehension. We offer them our full support, prayers, and strength in the days, weeks, and months ahead.”
The Standard has contacted Britain’s Got Talent for comment.
