Fond tributes paid to Mayo teacher who died in road tragedy
TRIBUTES have been flooding in for Mayo teacher James McNeive who died tragically in a road traffic accident in Sligo on Sunday morning.
Twenty-eight-year-old James, from Churchfield, Knock, is being fondly remembered in online tributes as a brilliant and inspiring young teacher.
A talented footballer with Aghamore GAA Club, he also brought his love of sport into school, where he was much loved by his students, and he is being remembered for his warmth, kindness and humour.
One tribute on rip.ie stated: “James was an amazing teacher: he was caring, sincere and always had the children's best interests at heart.”
Another tribute described his impact as 'transformative, truly a wonderful teacher, a gentleman and magnificent role model for the children'.
A friend also recalled how 'James brought a smile to everyone’s face and was such a kind and generous friend. There are no words for such a tragic loss'.
Aghamore GAA Club paid a poignant tribute to their late club member, offering their sympathy to the McNeive family on the tragic and extremely sad passing of senior player James.
A statement on the club's social media said: “Today is a very sad day for our club. We have lost James with his constant smile and love for football and all those around him.
“James always had time and support for everyone, even at his young age he always took time to encourage younger players breaking into our adult teams and gave them a welcome and support that was unmatched.
“He played football with his heart and a determination that was spoken about and admired by all who knew and saw him play.
“James lit a flame in our club, one that we will endeavour burns brightly in his honour for generations of footballers to love and admire long into our future.
“James, may you rest in peace.”
James was predeceased by his father Pete, grandparents Joe and Mary Sweeney and Peter and Nora McNeive and aunts Roseanne and Cáit.
He is survived by his heartbroken mother Bernadette, sister Fiona and her husband Barry, brothers Michael, Matthew and Peter jnr., girlfriend Catherine Carr, nieces Beth, Sally and Jane and his nephew Noah, aunts Mary, Noreen, Trish and Kate Sweeney and Patricia, Noreca and Monnie McNeive, uncles Pat, Michael, Sean and Kevin Sweeney, Joe Egan and John McNeive, his beloved cousins, extended Sweeney and McNeive family, his team-mates, neighbours and many friends.
Funeral arrangements to be announced later.