A fundraiser for the family of teenager Oisin Gregg has raised over £15,000. The JustGiving page was set up by Rev Rebecca Guildea, rector of Garrison Group of Parishes “to help the Gregg family as they struggle with the loss of a beloved son and brother.”
People can donate to the fundraising page by following the link https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gregg-family
The popular 18-year-old had tragically succumbed to injuries suffered in a crash in Kesh on June 7. In what was a first for the diocese according to the bishop, both Erne Gaels GAA and North Fermanagh Young Defenders provided a guard of hnour for Oisin as his coffin was carried in for his funeral service at Slavin Parish Church.
Rev Rebecca Guildea said such a show of unity was testament to the teenager, who was “the most joyful, caring person you could ever meet.”
“I think that says it all about Oisin, because he offered the hand of friendship to everyone,” she said. “He didn’t pick sides.”
Rev Guildea shared memories of Oisin’s family and friends, noting he had been “a very lovable, kind boy,” and “a great cub with a big smile for everyone he met” who was “the life and soul of the party.”
“Oisin was a great friend, he was funny, caring, and always good fun to have around,” she said.
“He would do anything for anyone. He was always happy and great at lifting the mood.”
The huge congregation, which filled the church to capacity, heard how Oisin had been a great lover of cars, and was an amazing cousin and friend.
Rev Guildea pointed to the outpouring of support Oisin had received as he battled for his life following the accident, “As we prayed for Oisin on his hospital bed, and I know so many of you prayed, we hoped for a different outcome.
“But we hold on to the promise of God’s goodness, even in our sadness.”
Noting the immense grief Oisin’s family and friends were enduring, Rev Guildea revealed that even in his death, the teenager had given life to others, with his parents making the brave decision to donate his organs to those who are critically ill.
Becoming visibly emotional at the tragedy of such a young death, Rev Guildea went on to make an emotional appeal to the community on road safety.
“I think Oisin’s death and the number of young people dying on our roads in this part of the world is something that grieves the heart of God. It’s not part of his plan,” she said.
Urging the community to reflect on how they use our roads and ask “hard questions”, Rev Guildea said she believed God would ask us all to do the same.
“I think Oisin’s death, and the number of young people who died on our roads in this part of the world is something that grieves the heart of God,” she said, noting “this young man did not need to be here today”
“I wonder how many of us have thought differently about how we drive this week. I know I have, I know I’ve thought twice about putting my foot down quite as much as I normally would,” she added.
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