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Tributes paid to Co Armagh teenager (17) following freak choking accident

Fintan McCabe from Lurgan died suddenly last Thursday. Picture from Facebook
Fintan McCabe from Lurgan died suddenly last Thursday. Picture from Facebook Fintan McCabe from Lurgan died suddenly last Thursday. Picture from Facebook

A TEENAGER who died following a choking incident at his home in Co Armagh has been remembered as someone who brought "happiness and laughter" to the world.

Family and friends of Fintan McCabe have been left stunned by his tragic death.

The 17 year-old, from Lurgan, is understood to have choked while eating food at home last Thursday.

The teenager was rushed to Craigavon Area Hospital, but later died.

Tributes have been paid to the Lismore Comprehensive School pupil, who was described as someone who "brought so much happiness and laughter in this world".

Fintan was a member of of the New Era Martial Arts Club in Lurgan, which last night paid tribute to the teenager.

"Yesterday we found out that a student, team mate sadly passed away. Rest in peace Fin, you were a good lad and a pleasure to teach," the club said.

"You will be sadly missed by all of us at New Era. Friends, brothers, teammates we train together sweat together. Sometimes even bleed together. You just don't know what is around the corner.

"Our condolences to the family at this hard time."

Friends also described their shock on social media following the young man's tragic death.

One friend said: "Rest in peace to one of my childhood friends Fintan McCabe.

"We made so many wonderful unforgettable memories still can’t believe I'm typing this so soon in life your journey was just beginning.

"I remember back in the day when we done bike riding, football and wrestling - these are the things I will remember until the end of time."

Another friend said: "You brought so much happiness and laughter in this world by making everyone's day including mine, not a day goes by I wouldn’t be thinking of you".

SDLP councillor Joe Nelson said the community had been left stunned by Fintan's sudden death.

"The death of any young person is always a shock and I could only but imagine that it's a very difficult time for the family," he said.

"There is a tight-knit community in the Shankill and north Lurgan area, who I know will support the family at this difficult time.

"This has been very shocking and our condolences are with this young man's family."

Requiem Mass for Fintan will be celebrated at St Paul’s Church, Lurgan on Tuesday at 11am followed by interment in St Colman's Cemetery.

Fintan is survived by his parents Peter and Linda and siblings Dominic, Rebecca and Peadar.