Tributes have been paid following the passing of a hugely popular Newry teacher.
The staff, students and Board of Governors of St Colman’s College, Newry have expressed their deep sadness at the passing of Rory Friel, a beloved teacher, coach and mentor who was a treasured member of the Violet Hill community for many years.
Rory passed away peacefully at the residence of his daughter Nicola on Thursday, September 11, following a short illness.
Rory was widely admired for his dedication to young people, both in the classroom and on the athletics track and cross-country field.
In a statement, St Colman’s College said: “Rory’s unwavering commitment to young people, through sport and in the classroom made him a cherished and irreplaceable member of our community.
“Particularly when supporting our students on the athletics track and the Cross Country field, Rory inspired our pupils to be the best version of themselves. He was a dedicated coach and mentor.
“It is particularly fitting that Rory’s most recent accolade in Cross Country was to lead the St. Colman’s boys in March 2025 to All Ireland Minor and Intermediate titles including winning the Best All Round School title for the first time.
“His work with Athletics NI and his role in shaping youth athletics reflected his passion for nurturing talent and building character.
“Rory’s legacy is not only in the medals won or records broken, but in his determination to do the best for each of the pupils and athletes he coached — instilling confidence, resilience, and a love for sport in countless young people.
“As a staff, we mourn the loss of a colleague and friend. Our pupils and parents/guardians mourn the loss of an inspirational coach. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Violet Hill community are with Rory’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”
Athletics Ireland also paid tribute to a man they described as “a dedicated and passionate figure” within the sport.
“Rory’s impact on athletics in Ireland and particularly school athletics is immeasurable,” they said.
“His dedication, leadership, and warmth touched the lives of countless athletes, coaches, and colleagues. He will be remembered with great affection and immense respect by all who had the privilege to know him.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Rory’s family, friends, and the wider sporting community during this difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Rory. You will be deeply missed by all in the Irish Schools athletics family and beyond.”
Athletics NI added: “Rory was a coach, administrator and official always with a stopwatch in hand which he used in his own inimitable way. Based for most of his life in South Down, Rory’s death will be most gravely felt in the world of School’s athletics throughout Ireland. During his teaching career, and more recently in retirement, he inspired young athletes through his enthusiasm and deep knowledge particularly in the realms of middle distance running.
“Over the past four decades, firstly with Shimna College and then with the all-conquering St Colman’s Newry, Rory has produced a host of individual stars and outstanding team success. He led St Colman’s to an amazing eight All Ireland Titles in Cross Country, most recently taking Minor and Intermediate Boys in Galway in March when the school won the Best All Round School for the first time.
“Individual stars like Austin Finn, Jack O’Farrell, the Monaghan twins Andrew and Patrick and British International Raymond Adams all achieved success under Rory’s care. Indeed it is the care for his athletes which came through strongly when he spoke of them. “He is a lovely lad” was a regular comment he would make about one of his athletes. He cared not just about their athletics achievements but their life’s journey. He made use of his many contacts in the sport, far and wide, to give them the opportunity to excel.
“At the time of his death Rory held the position of International Competitions Director of Irish Schools and had recently handed over the Chairmanship of Ulster Schools to Francis Shaw. He also served for some time on the Athletics Northern Ireland Board.
“Many young athletes will remember Rory fondly from his position as Coach to the teams who travelled each year to compete in the London Mini Marathon. As an organiser of the School’s Districts and Ulster Schools Cross Country his commitment was unsurpassed.
“Somehow, he managed to find time in between coaching, teaching and administering to diversify into other sports. He spent time running the Down GAA team through a fitness regime in Tollymore Forest and his golfing talent with Greenore Golf Club led to many awards.
“In the latter days of his illness Rory was surrounded by his family to whom he was a devoted father and grandfather. He would regularly pull out his mobile phone to show the latest picture of his grand daughter.
“It will take some time to come to terms with the sudden loss of a man who has given so much to the sport and his shoes will be hard to fill.
“To the family, friends and students of Rory Athletics NI extends its deepest sympathy.”
