Last week, the sudden death of Reece Donohoe following a workplace incident, stirred the community in which he resided. Donohoe, celebrated for his unique sparkle and positive impact was mourned by loved ones at a funeral held this Tuesday.
Currently, an enquiry is in motion by the Health and Safety Authority, surrounding the teenager’s demise which occurred at the Kiffagh-based Wilton Waste scrap metal and recycling facility, close to Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan on 13th June. The tragic accident transpired whilst Donohoe was labouring at the worksite shortly post 4.30 pm. The young man was declared deceased on site by emergency crews, comprising of police, firefighters and paramedics.
The nearby community in Kilnaleck, Donohoe’s hometown, ground to a halt on Tuesday afternoon for his final proceedings and mass. A procession in honour of Donohoe was held, from his residence on Upper Main Street to St Patrick’s Church located close by. Local stores and enterprises paused their trades as a gesture of mourning.
People of all age groups, dressed in light blue, the prevailing colour of the day, carried Donohoe’s pictures in his memory, recalling him as a jovial individual with a magnetic spark. Wilton Waste associates and members of the Crosserlough GAA club joined to form an honour guard outside the church.
Among the floral dedications was one that featured a tractor, and four tractors were stationed outside the church – a testament to Donohoe’s passion for farming and the countryside. Various items symbolising his interest in labour, music, fishing and other activities were presented at the altar.
Fr Peter McKiernan, during the Mass urged the congregation to cherish Donohoe’s memory and retain the joy he added to their existence. The priest mentioned how Donohoe was an unexpected resident of ‘an unimaginable place so early in life’, stating that he was Mary, his mother’s ‘treasure’. The priest also pointed out how ready Donohoe was to make errands to the shops.
Following the service, his sister briefly addressed the crowd and extended the family’s gratefulness for the community’s solidarity. She elaborated, “Our words fall short in expressing our deep gratitude for everyone’s support,” she said. “Today, we commemorate Reece’s life. Notwithstanding its unanticipated shortness, he has made an indelible impression during his time with us and will always be remembered.”
Before his untimely passing, Donohoe had unfortunately braved through the loss of his grandparents, Joe and Joan Donohoe, his great aunt Angela, aunt Adriana, and nephew Kai. Departing to a heartbroken family, he’s survived by his sorrowful mother Mary, father Brian, sisters Amber and Jade, grandparents Rita and John, niece Croía, stepfather Paul, uncle Niall, girlfriend Meabh, stepbrother Aaron, other family members, cousins and a close-knit circle of friends who held him dear to their hearts.
Following his demise, a postmortem was conducted on Friday in preparation for proceedings at the Coroner’s Court. Wilton Waste, through a spokesperson speaking to the Celt, extended their most profound sympathies to the grieving Donohoe family during this period of bereavement. In an act of respect, the company has opted for a temporary closure to their Ballyjamesduff facility, with no stated reopening date.
In relation to the incident on the Wilton premise, the HSA acknowledged its awareness and confirmed an active investigation ongoing, as revealed to a local newspaper.