TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to young man who died over the weekend and the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon.
The 23-year-old, named as John McHugh, died while running in the race in Phoenix Park.
Posting on its Facebook page, Belvedere College Union said that it was with “great sadness” it learnt of his death.
John, who was school vice captain during his final year in Belvedere, was due to turn 24 yesterday.
John has been taken from us all too quick, but those of us lucky enough to know him can consider ourselves truly privileged.
John embodied all the qualities of a true man for others.
He was also the president of the Belvedere Junior Union for the past year, where he is described as working tirelessly to ensure the success of the Panda Cup in aid of fellow Belvederian Jonathan Ranson and the soup run for the Christmas sleep out.
The tribute continued to say:
A talented sportsman, artist and designer, John will be remembered for many things. He will be remembered most, however, as a friend.Rest in peace, John.
John was also an alumnus of Maynooth University having graduated with first class honours in the BSc Industrial and Product Design. He had received the National University of Ireland, Maynooth ‘Designer of the Year’ award.
In a statement on the students’ union page it stated:
It is with heartfelt regret that we learned of the passing of our MU alumni student and friend John McHugh who tragically collapsed running the Dublin half Marathon yesterday… His passion, commitment and talent was unquestionable.
On a personal level, John was a pillar of warmth, positivity, humour, friendliness and support. His smile and sense of humour were just as contagious as his drive and determination.This is an unspeakable tragedy and our heart is broken for his family, friends and classmates.
He will be remembered as the kind, warm character that lit up a room when he spoke, and a man you would be proud to call your friend. No words here will do him justice.
The funeral for John will be held on Wednesday.
The death notice reads:
Mc Hugh (Castleknock) 19th. September 2015, (suddenly), John Oliver, precious son of Noel and Paula and adored younger brother of Conor and Elizabeth. So sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, brother, sister, girlfriend Elaine, grandad Ollie, his uncles, aunts, cousins and his very many treasured friends.
John will be reposing at his home on Tuesday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm and afterwards to the Church of Our Lady Mother of the Church, Castleknock, arriving at 6pm.
The funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday at 12 noon going on to Mount Venus Cemetery.
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