Northern Ireland

Dominic O'Hara: Dedicated and witty teacher loved by pupils and staff alike

DOMINIC O’Hara’s loss to his family and friends, and to the staff and pupils of Christian Brothers Grammar School, Omagh, past and present, was enormous.

As well as a long-serving member of the Religious Studies department, he was a dedicated, witty and loveable part of all aspects of school life, to which he brought his own unique energy.

Born in 1962 in Derry city, Dominic was the youngest of six children raised by Molly and Johnny O’Hara in Patrick Street. He had no problem joking that he was ‘a wee late one’.

One of his greatest claims to fame was how he finished first in a Derry Féis, beating Feargal Sharkey into second place. The fact that Sharkey was suffering from a heavy cold rarely got mentioned.

He was an alumnus of St Peter’s High School and St Columb's College and before being a teacher worked as a production trainee manager in a shirt factory in Derry, as assistant manager at Olympic Sales, Bundoran and as a sales representative in Donegal town.

His stories and observations of those times would provide a great source of entertainment to those fortunate enough to hear them.

Dominic graduated with a BA in Religious Studies and Education from De La Salle College, Manchester University in 1984 and obtained a PGCE in Religious Education, Economics and Drama from Queen's in Belfast in 1990.

He then taught in Kent for three years until Brother Denis McCrohan told him he was ‘bringing him home’, and he started teaching Religious Studies and Economics at Omagh CBS in 1993.

Lessons delivered by Dominic reflected his personality - they were lively, could involve music and were always great craic.

He very quickly became an indispensable part of life in the school. In his long-running involvement with the Young Enterprise Company he led pupils to multiple awards, and it presented him with a lifetime achievement award in 2019.

Dominic had a long association with the Young Enterprise Company and led pupils to multiple awards
Dominic had a long association with the Young Enterprise Company and led pupils to multiple awards Dominic had a long association with the Young Enterprise Company and led pupils to multiple awards

At Christmas time, he could be found dressed as Santa Claus for the Christmas party with Arvalee School. He will also be fondly remembered for his energetic delivery of the RE and Enrichment Programme for senior pupils.

Dominic was loved by staff and pupils alike, with everyone delighting in his company.

Staff members would flock around during lunchtimes as he held court and entertained all. The sound of infectious laughter from the staffroom was a daily event. Indeed, you would literally hear Dominic before you saw him.

Any troubles or concerns felt that day melted away into the background in the time spent in his company. A one-liner would be delivered in lightning quick time and always in a good-natured way.

Dominic was always the person asked to be master of ceremonies for school events, including prizegiving, productions and concerts.

He could engage an audience with his clever and sharp observations, often digressing into ‘Did you know that….’.

His eclectic musical interests were evident as he demonstrated his DJ skills on sports day. A playlist ranging from Dean Martin to Britney Spears would always include something to please everybody.

His attire for sports day was often also a hot topic of conversation, with bedroom slippers even making an appearance.

Dominic was an avid supporter of Derry City and Liverpool FC and revelled in their intermittent titles and the banter with pupils and staff alike. He took great delight in seeing the improvement the school has made on the soccer field in recent times.

Dominic was an avid supporter of Derry City and Liverpool FC
Dominic was an avid supporter of Derry City and Liverpool FC Dominic was an avid supporter of Derry City and Liverpool FC

His knowledge of Gaelic Games was limited, though as a proud Derry man he enjoyed the rivalry with Tyrone. The popular belief is that after Tyrone were defeated in the 1995 All-Ireland final, when taking the class register Dominic proclaimed, “Samuel Maguire, Absent".

His own sporting prowess was also a regular boast, including the unsubstantiated claim that he won a schoolboy international football cap for Northern Ireland.

 Dominic with David Dickson, teacher and soccer coach at Omagh CBS
 Dominic with David Dickson, teacher and soccer coach at Omagh CBS  Dominic with David Dickson, teacher and soccer coach at Omagh CBS

Dominic was a loyal and supportive colleague. Wise words of counsel were appreciated, particularly by younger staff members.

First and foremost, his warm humanity ensured that all who met him were treated with a kindness and decency that underpinned his caring nature.

As a Year Head, his understanding, empathy and natural people skills helped many students in times of pastoral and academic need.

Dominic bore his recent illness with great bravery and dignity. He was surely comforted by his great faith and the unwavering support of his family and many close friends.

On September 17, Omagh CBS hosted his son Emmett in his efforts to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the large turnout of colleagues, past and present, was testament to the love so many had for him.

Dominic, who lost his wife Dolores in 2009 following her own courageous battle with illness, died aged 59 on November 19. He is survived by his two children, Aimee and Emmett, his partner Grainne McGurk and was the beloved brother of Michael, Patricia, Denis, Pauline and the late Siobhan.

His memory and legacy will live long within the Omagh CBS community.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Omagh CBS community