Tributes have been paid to the life of a devoted teacher, GAA clubman and pillar of the Lurgan community.
Former St Paul’s Secondary School teacher and Clan Na Gael man, Colum McConville, died peacefully at home on July 16, surrounded by his loving family.
Colum was also known as a man of deep faith and a proud family man whose influence touched generations of people.
He was a lifelong member of Clan na Gael, part of a “golden era” in the club’s history, representing the side during the 1950’s and 1960’s as a “stylish corner-back” renowned for his composure and skill.
Sharing their sympathies, his beloved club shared an outline of Colum’s involvement over the years: “…he learnt his trade at St Mary’s G.S., Belfast where he picked up a much coveted Corn-na-n-Og medal.
He continued his studies in St Joseph’s Training College where he lined out among others, alongside Down’s Leo Murphy, Tyrone’s Art McRory, who was incidentally in goals, as he helped the College side win Jim McKeever his first ever Football title in the Antrim Leagues.
He served as Clan-na-Gael Secretary in 1961 and 1962, because, as he said ‘They couldn’t get anyone else to do it’.” It was a typically modest reflection of a man who quietly devoted countless hours to the club throughout his life.
Alongside details of his outstanding teaching career, the club explained that Colum was also a fluent speaker of the Irish language, something he had a great love for in the local Conradh na Gaeilge.
Teaching became Colum’s life’s work. After a brief spell at St Patrick’s, Barnageegha, he joined the original teaching staff of the newly established St Paul’s Secondary School in Lurgan when it first opened its doors on Francis Street in 1962.
The school would go on to become one of the best-known junior high schools in County Armagh under the Dickson Plan, educating thousands of boys from Lurgan and the surrounding area over more than five decades. It became synonymous with strong community values, sporting success and practical education, and Colum helped shape that reputation from the very beginning.
Remaining at the school for 32 years until his retirement, he rose to become Head of Craft, Design and Technology, inspiring generations of pupils through his expertise in woodwork and conscientious values.
According to the club a former student recalled Colum’s quiet example set through faith, remembering that whenever the Angelus bell rang in the school chapel, classwork stopped as Colum invited his students to join him in prayer.
His Catholic faith remained central throughout his life. He devoted countless hours to the Legion of Mary and to the liturgical life of St Paul’s Chapel, where his commitment was recognised by the Diocese with the prestigious ‘Bene Merenti Medal’ for distinguished service to the Church.
Despite his many achievements in education, sport and parish life, those closest to him say nothing meant more than his family.
Together with his beloved wife Imelda, Colum raised their children Orla, Ciara and Feargal with unwavering love and support.
He took enormous pride in watching his grandchildren Niall, Diarmaid, Eimear, Caolan, Oisín and Jack flourish in Gaelic games and traditional music, while the arrival of great-granddaughter Bróna brought “immense joy” to both him and Imelda.
The death of their son Feargal in 1995 was a profound loss which the family carried with great dignity.
Determined to ensure his memory endured, Colum and Imelda established the Feargal McConville Trophy, awarded annually to Clan na Gael’s Minor Player of the Year.
In paying tribute, Clan na Gael described Colum’s contribution to Lurgan as “immeasurable”, noting that he had helped countless people through a lifetime of selfless service.
A death notice describes Colum as predeceased by his parents Owen and Sarah McConville, brothers Edward, Eugene, Frank and Tony, and sisters Kathleen, Maureen, Angela and Eithne.
His funeral will leave the family home, 23 Oakridge, Lurgan, on Saturday at 10am for Requiem Mass in St Paul’s Church at 10.30am, followed by burial in St Colman’s Cemetery.
He will be remembered as one of Lurgan’s true gentlemen.
