‘His lasting impression will live forever in Donegal,’ memorial for teacher and LOI manager Ollie Horgan hears

There were poignant scenes in Letterkenny this afternoon as people young and old gathered to remember teacher and League of Ireland manager Ollie Horgan.

Former Finn Harps manager and Galway United coach Ollie Horgan died on Thursday, August 28, aged 57, following a brief illness.

A native of Salthill in Galway, Mr Horgan worked as a PE and maths teacher at St Eunan's College in Letterkenny since 1989.

He quickly became a prominent figure on the football scene in the county.

A noted player for Fanad United, who he went on to serve for six years as first team manager, he was appointed manager of the County’s Senior Club, Finn Harps FC in 2013.

He went on to become the longest serving manager in the club’s history with nine seasons at the helm and was a much-loved character in Donegal and throughout the country.

He took up the Assistant Manager role at Galway United ahead of the 2023 session and had just stepped away from the role earlier this month.

Items symbolising Mr Horgan's life were placed on the alter at the beginning of the service.

At St Eunan’s College, Mr Horgan was known as a mentor and guide to pupils and a friend, confidant and joker in the staffroom.

This dedicated efforts in the classroom did not go unnoticed as in 2021, he received a 2021 ASTI Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to his school community and to sporting in Ireland.

On Friday afternoon, his beloved St Eunan’s College fell silent as the school opened its doors for past and present pupils, staff and the public who came and remembered the much loved teacher.

A photograph of Mr Horgan was placed on the alter as Fr Damien Nejad led the service which was concelebrated by Raphoe Diocese Administrator Monsignor Kevin Gillespie and past President of St Eunan’s College Fr Michael Carney.

At the beginning of the service, a number of symbols were brought forward representing Mr Horgan’s life including a football and whistle, the school team’s football jersey and a team photo. A bible was also bought forward to represent Mr Horgan’s deep faith.

Ollie Horgan, the former Fanad United, Finn Harps manager, and Galway United assistant manager, has passed away

In an emotional reflection, staff member Gracie Peoples recalled Mr Horgan’s life that was rich in kindness, purpose and quiet strength.

"Born in Salthill, he began teaching in St Eunan’s in 1989.

"Ollie was a man who carried with him the best of both places; the warmth and wit of the west and the rugged loyalty of the northwest.

"He may have left Galway but it never left him. Here in Donegal, he built a life of meaning, of service and most definitely with love.

"Ollie was more than just a teacher. He was a guide, a mentor, a coach in the classroom, on the pitch and especially in life. Whether it was explaining a tricky bit of algebra or training a team on a cold wet evening.

“He gave his all with patience, good humour and an unwavering belief in every student and player he met.

"He taught maths and PE but his real subjects were resilience, respect and heart.

"He was a man of huge intelligence and undoubted charisma.

"Students here knew they were seen and valued. Colleagues always knew they had a friend,” said Ms Peoples.

Ms Peoples said Mr Horgan was an incredibly kind and generous person with a sense of humility.

"He never looked for praise but he earned it and he never sought the spotlight but by God did he shine in it.

"He took joy in everyday; a good game, a shared laugh, a classroom success.

"And now gone far too soon, he leaves behind a silence that feels too vast to name.

"We grieve for the loss of his voice on the corridors or in the classroom and most especially in the staffroom.

"11 o’clock in heaven now has his very very wicked humour,” said Ms Peoples.

Former Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan with the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division trophy. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile ...5RP

The congregation heard Mr Horgan leaves behind a lasting legacy, but not just in trophies or accolades, but in the hearts he lifted, the lives he touched and the example he gave.

“His legacy is one of integrity, of humility and a love for life.

"He fought so hard for that life.

"We say goodbye with sorrow but also with deep gratitude and love for how lucky were we to know Ollie,” said Ms Peoples.

Concluding the touching tribute, Ms Peoples said, “Ollie’s untimely passing has come far too soon but the lasting impression that the proud Salthill man made will live forever on the corridors of this school, in the hills of Donegal and the hearts of all of us who loved him,” said Ms Peoples.

School principal Damien McCroary said the sad passing of Mr Horgan had devastated the entire school community.

He remembered Mr Horgan as a ‘character’ and ‘one of a kind’ who was a ‘wonderful colleague’ and friend who brought great laughter to the school.

"He was an all round professional who saw the best in every student and every person and fought and argued about what is right,” said Mr McCroary.

Mr McCroary said Mr Horgan was a modest man who would often shrug off the pleasant things that were said about him, however, he said that changed as soon as he stepped foot on a football pitch or sideline where he showed his passion.

"To St Eunan’s College, Ollie was Ollie,” said Mr McCroary.

"He was a friend, a person you could confide in, a man of many talents, a man of humour and wit and a man full of mischief, strong faith, a man who educated a huge amount of young men over his long period here.

"Everyone here has fond memories of Ollie. These are to be treasured,” said Mr McCroary.

Mr McCroary said the staff of St Eunan’s will truly miss ‘the massive character’ in the days, months and years ahead.

Galway United manager John Caulfield (right) and his assistant Ollie Horgan. Photo: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

During the homily, Fr Nejad said while Mr Horgan has left the world far too young, his life has had a major affect on a lot of people.

“What we do with whatever years we have on this earth, does matter. And there is no doubt that Ollie done a lot and touched a lot of people,” said Fr Nejad.

Fr Nejad said Mr Horgan had a ‘good heart’ and was loved by so many; staff, students, players and his family.

"I am told there are three F’s that were very important in his life; family, football and faith, and I will add friends.

"There are so many friends that were close to him and it is clear he means an awful lot to so many of you,” said Fr Nejad.

The congregation heard he done so much for his students and there were students whose ‘life he turned around.’

"There were a few students that came through these doors who were struggling at home but Ollie made sure they had all the basics whether that be having uniforms and even getting them a part time job.

"And he did it all on the QT.

"He was discreet in his dealings with people.

“It is important to remember him as having a heart of gold and looking out for the welfare of each student.

"Even when boys who were not inclined to participant in PE or if they did not have runners or boots, he would find them a pair because he understood the importance of exercise, both on a physical level and mentally too,” said Fr Nejad.

The congregation heard on top of his sporting talents, he played the piano and often played at school parties and in the school at lunchtime.

Concluding Fr Nejad said he was a man with a heart of gold who did things for people for the good of the person rather than for himself.

"He was a man with a huge heart.

"It was also said to me ‘he has left behind a gaping hole in this college that will be very hard to fill.’

The ceremony came to an end with a beautiful rendition of ‘This is my homeland’; a fitting tribute to a Galway man who was firmly at home in Donegal.

Funeral details have been announced for the popular teacher and sportsman.

On Saturday, Mr Horgan’s remains will repose at the family home in Cahermorris, Corrandulla, Galway.

On Sunday his remains will repose at the O’ Flaherty Funeral Parlour Munster Avenue, Galway from 3pm to 6pm.

His funeral will take place on Monday, when, Requiem Mass will be celebrated at the Church of Christ the King, Salthill, at 12 noon, before burial at Rahoon Cemetery.

A death notice for Mr Horgan reads, "Beloved son of the late Joe and Bernie and brother of Martin R.I.P.

"Ollie is mourned by his wife Anita and their children Emma, Anthony, Brendan, Conor and David, sister Mary and brother Ger.

"He will also be missed by Kit, Brian and Caroline and his nephews, nieces and extended family.

"Ollie loved his football, his family and his friends.”

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