'A real gem' Mountrath school's poignant tribute to the late Adam Kirwan

A real gem who was loyal to the core as well as being much loved and respected.

They are just some of the words used in a tribute from Mountrath Community School where the late Adam Kirwan completed his second-level education.

The school published its poignant tribute to Adam just hours after the young Laois man lost his life in a car accident in Thurles where he was attending college and studying to be a teacher. 

"There was a deep sense of shock and sadness in MCS on Thursday morning as we learned of the sudden passing of our recent past student Adam Kirwan.

"Adam was a much loved and respected member of our school community during his six years here and was chosen as one of our Meitheal leaders in his final year," it said.

The school also recounted his hurling achievements.

"He also excelled on the hurling field for MCS playing a starring role in winning the Leinster Junior A1 final in 2019 and also reaching the Leinster Senior B Final in 2020. He also won 1st Year and Junior Hurler of the year on different occasions.

"Adam was extremely skillful, so clever and a finisher supreme. Whether it was as Goalkeeper, scoring last-minute frees, hitting screamers into the top corner or swinging points over his shoulder, he demonstrated his remarkable ability time and again in the Navy and Red of MCS. And he always did so with a smile and with his customary easy-going demeanor.

"Above all else, Adam was committed, honest and loyal to the core - a real gem who always brightened up the bus or dressing room on match day.

"We took great pride in seeing Adam’s achievements for Trumera GAA, CLG Laois and most recently with MIC St. Pat’s Thurles.
His was a future full of great promise and as a student teacher, we looked forward to welcoming him back to MCS on teaching practice and beyond," he said.

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The school extended its deepest sympathies to his parents Lourda, Paul and sister Marie as well as to all of Adam’s family and to his wide circle of friends.

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"Rest easy Adam - you will be remembered so fondly in MCS for years to come. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis," concluded the tribute.