The Parents’ Association of St Oran’s NS, Buncrana, has paid tribute to their caretaker, John Kelly, who was found dead in the town last night.
Mr Kelly, who was originally from Derry, had been living in Buncrana for around 25 years. His body was found in what Gardai described as ‘unexplained circumstances’ at around 7:30pm yesterday evening.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we have to inform you that our dear caretaker, John Kelly, has departed this life,” a post on their Facebook page read.
“We are heartbroken as John enriched the lives of all he met. He cared for our building but more importantly, he cared for each and every one of us, from the youngest child to the oldest adult. May his very gentle soul Rest In Peace.”
There will be a prayer vigil in the Cockhill school playground at 6 pm this evening. All are welcome, adults and children from the school and surrounding community.
Please bring a candle/light.
“We also have a book of condolence in the school hall. The school will be open from 3 pm until 8.30 pm today and from 12 midday until 6 pm tomorrow, Sunday. The whole community is welcome to come and sign the book in honour of John.”
Mr Kelly has also been described locally as a quiet, unassuming man who was ‘very popular’ in the area.
“John was a great community man,” one local resident said.
“He was very quiet, unassuming but was very popular and was always there if anyone needed help.”
He is survived by his wife, Anita, and their son and daughter.
Gardaí are continuing to examine the scene where his body was found in unexplained circumstances yesterday evening.
At approximately 7.30pm, the body of a man in his 50s was discovered lying in a laneway behind a row of houses in the vicinity of Knockalla Drive.
The body remains at the scene, which was preserved overnight, and this morning Gardai are continuing to comb the area.
The office of the State Pathologist and the Garda Technical Bureau have been notified and both will attend the scene today.
A post-mortem will be conducted today and the results of this examination will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
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