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Irish Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
'The most beautiful boy.' Teen drowning victim laid to rest in emotional funeral
The devastated family of a young teenager who tragically died in a drowning nightmare were told at his funeral that he inspired smiles and joy 'every day at school' and that he was the 'most beautiful boy'. Kofi Jackson Owusu was just 15 years old when he died at a beach in Laytown, Co Meath, last Friday, June 20. The talented student and sportsman got into difficulty in the River Nanny while enjoying a day out with his friends. Broken-hearted mourners swelled the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Dundalk, Co Louth, for the emotional service on Friday. Before the funeral Mass, his heartbroken parents Tony and Maria, plus sisters Faith and Esther, said Kofi 'will be so missed'. They and their extended family, with friends and students from his school Coláiste Chú Chulainn, as well as teammates at Redeemer Celtic, led mourners such as Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Dáil TD Ruairí Ó Murchú. RCCG pastor Alex Alajiki said 'this is a very painful period for us all' and thanked mourners for their compassion because 'it is of great comfort for the family'. Kofi's sisters Esther and Faith delivered bible readings, while Coláiste Chú Chulainn principal Thomas Sharkey narrated an emotional presentation as Kofi's schoolmates delivered gifts to the altar. Mr Sharkey said: 'Kofi loved school and school loved Kofi, everyone one of us. 'In 2022, he graduated from Redeemer Boys' National School in Dundalk. Ms Doherty sent us his education passport and we are passing it to the altar. She wrote, 'Kofi is a central figure within our class'. 'He was going to Madrid in October to learn the language and teach them how to play football and for the sunny weather, so we have sunflowers for Kofi. 'Kofi always followed the sun. Where Kofi went, the smiles followed. He brought joy and smiles every day at school. 'He came to school every day because he had discipline and because [his mother] Maria made him. He was given an award by Minister of Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who is here today. 'We also present his No. 6 basketball jersey and his Football Association of Ireland medal.' Minister MacNeill told the family at the Mass: 'Kofi had a wonderful, far too short, very young life. 'It was my great pleasure and privilege to meet him. Many loved this very fabulous boy. 'To his family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am truly very sorry for your loss. I thought he was the most beautiful boy. 'It is wonderful to see how this whole community turned up for you to show their love for you and your son. My heart is with you in these most difficult of days.' A video was shown to mourners of a speech made during Taoiseach's questions by deputy Ó Murchú, who said in the Dáil that Kofi's tragedy highlights 'the dangers of the water'. On Friday, deputy Ó Murchú told mourners: 'We would all prefer not to be here. Kofi has impacted a huge amount of lives. "None of us know how long we're going to be here, but I would wish for all of us that we would have a life that is as full and as true as Kofi's. 'My condolences are with you and I am very sorry. You should be very very proud of Kofi. He was really, truly a great young man and we all hope that we can live a life as true as his." A tribute to Kofi, from the Blackrock area of Dundalk, was paid by Redeemer Boys' National School in Dundalk. It stated: 'At just 15, Kofi touched more lives than many do in a lifetime. We have some wonderful memories of Kofi's time with us here in RBS. 'A pupil, a friend, a leader - Kofi was much more than just a student in our school; he was a shining example of kindness, integrity, dedication and positivity.' When Kofi got into difficulty in the water last Friday, the alarm was raised at around 6.15pm when he disappeared from sight. His body was recovered later that evening from the River Nanny. Kofi had recently played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16. An online fundraiser to cover the funeral costs reached its €11,000 target a day before the funeral with €12,953 raised by Friday afternoon. Kofi was buried at St Patrick's Cemetery in Dundalk. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pride group criticises 'homophobic' church plans
A pride group has criticised a church for its "disturbingly homophobic" beliefs after it was given permission to move into a town's former cinema. The Reformed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was granted planning permission to move into the vacant 1930s building on Newport Road in Stafford last month. But Stafford Pride, which has its office opposite the site, said it was "deeply troubled" by the move, pointing to the church's "anti-LGBTQ+ agenda". The RCCG has not responded to the BBC's requests for a comment. In a statement posted on social media, Stafford Pride said: "The RCCG has a disturbingly specific homophobic and anti-LGBTQ+ agenda and set of beliefs, which we stand steadfast against. "As a town, Stafford is very open, loving and welcoming, we saw this in August at the first Stafford Pride - this is the town we must continue to be." The ministry, founded in Nigeria, is led by pastor Enoch Adeboye, who has previously called homosexuality evil and said gay marriage could bring about the end of human civilisation. Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Stafford Pride chairman Jack Taylor-Walker said he was "horrified" at the church's "incredibly hateful" views. "We won't give up on what we do. What we will do is call this out – we will always call homophobia out because we don't accept it in our town," he said. Mr Taylor-Walker said he would be happy to engage with the church to "see how we can move forward", though he was "steadfast" against any form of homophobia. He added: "It's incredibly worrying and incredibly upsetting." Stafford Cinema closed its doors in 2021, 85 years after it first opened as an Odeon in 1936. In late 2022, it was announced that the site was going to be brought back to life as a live entertainment venue, but the plan never came to fruition. Stafford Borough Council approved the RCCG's planning application to change its use from a cinema to a place of worship on 13 February. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Former 1930s cinema back up for sale again Plans to reopen former cinema as music venue Town gets ready for first Pride parade Council makes U-turn in Pride flag row Stafford Pride
