Man dies after serious incident at primary school

A man has died in a serious incident at a school in the Old Mountfield Road area of Killyclogher, County Tyrone.

The Education Authority (EA) have named the man as Paul Corrigan who was described as a “highly valued and dedicated member” of its facilities management service.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said officers, paramedics from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) and Northern Ireland Fire Rescue Service (NIFRS) personnel responded to the incident earlier on Thursday at St Mary’s Primary School.

The police have said the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has been informed.

A spokesperson for the EA said they were shocked and saddened to learn of Mr Corrigan’s death.

“Paul was a highly valued and dedicated member of our facilities management service for over 30 years, working as a building supervisor and member of the grounds maintenance team,” said the EA.

“He was a much loved and respected member of staff within the Education Authority, and we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family, friends and colleagues at this time.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for the NIAS said they despatched one emergency ambulance crew and the charity air ambulance with HEMS on board to the scene.

No one was taken from the scene, the spokesperson added.

NIFRS said one appliance from Omagh Fire Station attended the incident.

“Firefighters were called to attend an incident on Old Mountfield Road and firefighters supported by Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) personnel in safely moving a casualty,” said a spokesperson.

“Firefighters left the scene at 10:08 BST.”

Local parish priest Fr Declan McGeehan described Mr Corrigan as a well-liked figure in the community who will be sorely missed.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Corrigan following an incident at St Mary’s Primary School,” said Fr McGeehan.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, daughter, and the wider Corrigan family.

“Paul served many of our schools with dedication through the EA’s facilities management and grounds maintenance teams, most recently as caretaker at Christ the King Primary School.

“He was a kind, fun-loving gentleman, respected by colleagues and cherished by pupils.

“We pray for his family in their grief and for the peaceful repose of his soul.”

Principal of St Mary’s Primary school, Carole McAuley, expressed her immense shock and sadness following the tragic death of Paul Corrigan.

“Over the past thirty-eight years, Mr Paul Corrigan maintained our school site with great pride, care and attention.

“My thoughts are with the Corrigan family at this difficult time and with Paul’s colleagues.

“On behalf of our school community, I extend the Corrigan family our prayers, sympathy and support.”

Independent councillor Josephine Deehan said the community is “deeply saddened and shocked” by the incident.

She said Mr Corrigan was a popular figure who worked for many schools in the area.

“He was incredibly popular, very hard working and highly respected,” she said.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

Deehan said a police cordon remains at the school while officials from the HSENI attend the scene.