Northern Ireland

Co Down teenager who died a year after serious quad accident 'enriched' and 'brightened' lives

Portaferry teenager Ellie McDonnell (16), who survived a devastating quad accident last year, passed away at the weekend
Portaferry teenager Ellie McDonnell (16), who survived a devastating quad accident last year, passed away at the weekend Portaferry teenager Ellie McDonnell (16), who survived a devastating quad accident last year, passed away at the weekend

A CO Down schoolgirl who died just over a year after she survived a serious quad accident was a "gifted sportswoman" who was "passionate about her family".

Mourners gathered yesterday at St Patrick's Church in Portaferry for the funeral of 16-year-old Ellie McDonnell, who died at the weekend.

The Down High School student, who was a talented showjumper, was seriously injured in a quad accident at her home in Portaferry last July

She was riding her quad bike on her family’s farm when it collided with a 4x4 driven by her mother at a blind corner on the lane leading to their home.

She sustained injuries including broken bones and severe swelling to the brain.

She spent eight weeks in hospital, two of which in a medically-induced coma and her family was told to prepare for the worst with doctors unsure whether she would ever be able to walk or talk again.

The funeral of Ellie McDonnell took place in Portaferry yesterday. Picture by Mal McCann
The funeral of Ellie McDonnell took place in Portaferry yesterday. Picture by Mal McCann The funeral of Ellie McDonnell took place in Portaferry yesterday. Picture by Mal McCann

However, Ellie went on to make a remarkable recovery and undertook fundraising for the Air Ambulance as a thank you for the help they had given her.

It is understood that she had undergone more surgery recently.

As Ellie's remains made their way to St Patrick's Church yesterday, they were escorted by her "beloved horses". The funeral procession also stopped for a time at her stables.

Among the mourners were pupils and staff from Down High as well as friends from the equestrian community, who formed a guard of honour.

Speaking to those gathered, Fr Feargal McGrady said Ellie's death at the age of 16 was "not natural".

"We gather around today for Ellie's funeral," he said.

"We should not have to do so but here we are.

"Ellie was 16. It's not natural for us to see a loved one die in the spring time of life. Ellie died full of hope and promise and in many ways, fragrant with innocence still."

Fr McGrady said Ellie had attended her first horse show at just six days old, setting the scene for the rest of her life.

He said she was a "gifted sportswoman" who achieved "numerous victories".

The funeral of Ellie McDonnell the Portaferry teenager who surrived a hoffific accident last year but passeed away this week Picture Mal McCann.
The funeral of Ellie McDonnell the Portaferry teenager who surrived a hoffific accident last year but passeed away this week Picture Mal McCann. The funeral of Ellie McDonnell the Portaferry teenager who surrived a hoffific accident last year but passeed away this week Picture Mal McCann.

"Ellie loved her school life and the wonderful friendships that grew there as well. She had a great capacity for that," he said.

"She studied hard and achieved top grades.

"She was passionate about her family and loved attending family events."

The parish priest said Ellie had been "badly injured" in last year's accident but she had "fought so hard with great resilience and made a miraculous recovery due to her strength and determination which followed her so evidently all her life".

He said in the aftermath of her recovery, she "worked tirelessly for the heroes of the sky" and went on to fundraise for the Air Ambulance, at one point organising a Twilight Walk which raised £28,500.

"Ellie has certainly left behind a very big footprint on our lives," he said.

The funeral of Ellie McDonnell took place in Portaferry yesterday. Picture by Mal McCann
The funeral of Ellie McDonnell took place in Portaferry yesterday. Picture by Mal McCann The funeral of Ellie McDonnell took place in Portaferry yesterday. Picture by Mal McCann

"We have had the privilege of knowing Ellie for 16 years. She brightened us, she enriched us while she walked among us and through her own love of life, lived to the full. She will be with us still in new ways."

Following the funeral Ellie was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

The funeral of Ellie McDonnell the Portaferry teenager who surrived a hoffific accident last year but passeed away this week Picture Mal McCann.
The funeral of Ellie McDonnell the Portaferry teenager who surrived a hoffific accident last year but passeed away this week Picture Mal McCann. The funeral of Ellie McDonnell the Portaferry teenager who surrived a hoffific accident last year but passeed away this week Picture Mal McCann.