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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
James Martin McCarthy

Thousands raised in memory of popular Ballymena teacher as he is laid to rest

Nearly £5,000 has been raised in memory of a Co Antrim teacher who died suddenly last week.

Aidan Walsh, who taught at St Patrick's College in Ballymena for 12 years was laid to rest following requiem mass at St. Comgall's Church in Antrim on Wednesday.

Among the many online tributes, many former and current students described Mr Walsh as charismatic and down to earth who was loved by the whole student body.

Read more: Tributes paid to Ballymena teacher who died suddenly

The fundraising page which appears to have been set up by group of his students read: "Me and a couple of friends have decided to do this for Mr Walsh as he inspired us all in lots of different ways. He was the most kind-hearted gentleman to us all and never failed to put a smile on our faces. We have decided to do this to help his family as much as we can."

At the time of his death, St Patrick's College expressed their "great shock" and sadness.

"Aidan will be greatly missed within St Patrick’s and the whole school community. We were blessed to have had Aidan in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aidan's wife and family. May he Rest In Peace.," they said.

Aidan was also a member of All Saints GAC who described him as a "key player".

"A great man, talented player and beloved teammate who never missed a training session, complained, or challenged a manager or referee. He had a love for the game, his team mates and All Saints GAC," they said.

"The deepest sympathies of all at All Saints go to his wife Anne, his children Cain and Caitlin, his mother and father Michael and Maria and his siblings Tiernan, Fintan and Aisling."

To donate to the fund, visit the GoFundMe page set up in Aidan's memory.

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