A “very talented and popular” English teacher from Rathfriland who died last week has been fondly remembered by staff and pupils.
Kate McConville, aged in her 30s, taught in Our Lady’s Grammar School in Newry where students spoke of her gift for sharing her love of literature.
A family notice said she passed away peacefully at home on April 3 and was the daughter of Dermot and Vera, partner to John Hurley and sister to Susan, Conor and Sean.
The funeral service was held last Wednesday in St Mary’s Church, Maghera, with interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
A statement from the school said the community was “deeply saddened by the death of our much-loved friend and colleague.”
“Kate was a very talented and popular member of our English department. Her good humour, warmth, enthusiasm and friendliness will be much missed by everyone in the school. Our deepest sympathies are with Kate's family and friends. May she rest in peace.”
Many posted their own memories on the school page, including one who described Ms McConville as “a warm, friendly and kind person who has left a tremendous impact on those who knew her.”
A past pupil called her “an exceptional woman” who encouraged her love of English to “flourish” during her A-levels.
“She was soft-spoken, a gentle human and had a wealth of knowledge that made us all love her as a teacher.”
She added: “When we heard the news, we likened Miss McConville to Miss Honey from Matilda – I think that just about sums up her kind nature.”
Another said she was “an amazing teacher who made me really look forward to my English classes.”
