Óran McConville, 18, who found fame as a child when his school choir took part in 2017 series of the ITV show, suffered fatal injuries in a car crash in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A teenager who wowed audiences on Britain's Got Talent has died aged 18 in a car crash - just weeks after his father's death. Óran McConville, who found fame as a child when his school choir took part in 2017 series of the ITV show, suffered fatal injuries as a result of the smash in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Óran's family were already rocked by the death of dad Paddy on February 21, when tragedy struck a second time. Óran's "happy, intelligent" 11-year-old sister Rachael was also killed after being knocked down by a Volkswagen people carrier in around 2009. This was some years before Óran's appearance on Britain's Got Talent when his choir at St Patrick's Primary School in County Down, Northern Ireland, reach the semi finals.
Speaking at his Requiem Mass, in Drumgath, County Down, parish priest Fr Charles Byrne said: "Óran'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.
"As we all know, just six weeks ago we were here for Óran'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."
When Óran and his pals performed Somewhere Only We Know by Keane in their audition on Britain's Got Talent, Simon Cowell said: "You are having a good time, and that is the most important thing. That was a great audition."
Speaking about the experience, Fr Byrne continued: "This was a very enjoyable time for Óran and for his friends at the school. He was a natural performer and years later was able to look back on those times with fun and laughter. His love of music continued to grow. He leant to play the guitar, loved going to concerts."
The youngest of three children, he was described as the "baby of the family... who got away with more mischief than most". Fr Byrne added: "With a smile like his, who could be cross for long." He said that he looked up to his older brother Shea as a "hero" and they had an "unbreakable bond".
Colleagues at Milestone petrol station, where his mother also works, said that Óran was "full of talent, kindness, and an infectious positivity".
A spokesperson for the Drumgath GAA Club, which he played for, said: “Órán was so much more than a young man- he was a bright light in our community. 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. Whether it was on the football pitch or in the heart of the community, Órán carried himself with warmth, respect, and quiet charm.
“From the moment he could walk, Órán was part of our club - first as a supporter, watching his older siblings, Rachael and Shéa, represent Drumgath and later as a player in his own right.
Órán also proudly played schools’ football with St. Mark’s, where he was equally respected for his commitment, sportsmanship, and team spirit. Órán was a teammate everyone could count on- his legacy on the pitch will never be forgotten."
"He was a brilliant young volunteer, always willing to lend a hand. He gave his energy and enthusiasm to our Cúl Camps, where he was loved by all the children- always patient, full of fun, and a brilliant role model. Last year, he travelled to Kenya with St. Mark’s on a life-changing volunteer trip, showcasing his compassion far beyond his own community.
"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. He was a cherished friend to many, a teammate, and a beloved son and brother.”
