A Britain’s Got Talent contestant has tragically died at the age of 18.
Órán McConville, 18, who rose to fame as a child when his school choir appeared on the 2017 series of the ITV show, was killed in a horrific car crash near Hilltown, County Down, Northern Ireland, on Saturday (April 5) morning.
His death has shattered a family already reeling from tragedy. His father Paddy passed away only six weeks ago, on February 21, and in 2009, his little sister Rachael, just 11, was killed after being struck by a Volkswagen people carrier.
Speaking at Oran’s Requiem Mass in Drumgath, County Down, parish priest Fr Charles Byrne addressed the overwhelming grief felt by those closest to him.
“Órán's tragic death early on Saturday morning has brought devastating shock and grief to his family, to his friends, to our local community here and the wider community around it,” he said, cited by The Sun.
“As we all know, just six weeks ago, we were here for Órán's father Paddy, and 16 years ago, you had the death of young Rachael. At this time, we are all lost for words. Words are woefully inadequate to express the pain and the sorrow in our hearts that we have for you," he added.
Órán was just a child when he and his classmates from St Patrick's Primary School joined the talent competition as part of the St. Patrick’s Junior Choir Drumgreenagh.
Their powerful performance of Keane’s 'Somewhere Only We Know' impressed the judges and earned them a place in the semi-finals.
"You are having a good time, and that is the most important thing," Simon Cowell told the choir. "That was a great audition."
Outside of music, Órán was deeply involved in his community. A proud member of Drumgath GAA Club, he was remembered as “a bright light” and a devoted teammate.
“Órán’s contribution to Drumgath GAC on the field was nothing short of outstanding,” the club said in a statement. “A talented and dedicated footballer, he wore the jersey with immense pride.”
The club also reflected on Órán's compassion beyond the pitch, highlighting a volunteer trip to Kenya with his school, St. Mark's High in Warrenpoint.
“Órán’s sudden death has left our entire club and wider community in deep shock and sorrow,” the tribute read. “A young man full of promise, kindness, and spirit, Órán had so much life ahead of him. He was a cherished friend to many, a teammate, and a beloved son and brother.
“This tragedy is made all the more poignant as it comes just six weeks after the passing of his father, Paddy, and 16 years after the heartbreaking loss of his sister, Rachael. Our hearts go out to his loving mother, Amanda, and his devoted brother, Shéa- for any family to endure such loss is beyond comprehension," they added.
At Milestone, the petrol station where Órán had worked since June 2022, staff remembered him as someone who brought joy to everyone around him.
“Órán was a valued member of the Milestone team since June 2022 – full of talent, kindness, and an infectious positivity that touched everyone who had the pleasure of working with him,” the station shared in a heartfelt social media post.
“Though his time with us was far too short, he made a lasting impact both professionally and personally. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his mother, Amanda, our much-loved work colleague, and to his brother Shea, a former member of our team. We are keeping them, and all of Oran’s family and friends, in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. Órán will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”
Órán had recently completed his A-levels at St. Mark’s and continued to excel in sports, playing a key role in both the school’s Gaelic football and soccer teams.
“In his final year in school he was part of the successful U18 soccer team who won the South Down Cup, the first time in our school’s history,” the school wrote. “He loved pulling on the purple jersey, just like his brother and daddy."
Their tribute recalled Órán's passion for travel, noting that during his trip to Kenya last November, he “helped build a house and he taught in the primary school where his personality shone through".
“Every day was a new adventure and his love of travelling was just beginning,” the school continued. “Órán was quite simply a gentleman who will be sorely missed. He was fiercely proud of his purple blood!"
Our thoughts are with Órán's loved ones at this time.