School friends and team mates heartbroken by sudden death of Dungannon teenager Daryl Comac

St Patrick's Academy pupil, Daryl Comac, in a photo posted on the school's website.

Daryl was a son of Mairead and Jason, and brother to Nathan, Kayla, Ethen and Lara.

His sudden passing yesterday morning has come as a body blow to the Dungannon and surrounding communities, many of whom have sent tributes to the popular 16 year-old who brought ‘joy and friendship’ to those who knew him..

The teenager’s school, St Patrick’s Academy, said in a statement: “The entire school community is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Daryl. He was a promising student and fondly remembered by his many friends and his teachers.

“His sudden death has been a shock to all of us and we have been most appreciative of the support of our school chaplain and our counsellor who have provided great comfort and guidance at this time.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Daryl’s family and pray that they can take comfort from the many fine qualities that he had and the joy and friendship that he gave in his short life.”

Described as a keen sportsman, Daryl was a playing member of the Under 16 team from St Mary’s GFC in Killyman, which reached the League and Championship final earlier this year.

Team coach, Enda McGahan, was among those who expressed his sympathy with Daryl’s family, friends and team mates.

“It is unreal how close all the lads in that team were”, Enda told the TIMES.

“There is just devastation among everybody connected with the club and the team. We will be getting the lads down so we can all have a chat together and try in some way to come to terms with this awful news.”

Meanwhile, Cathal McErlean, from Dungannon hurling club Eoghan Ruadh, remembered Daryl as a talented player who had been with them up until age 14.

“Daryl was a great wee lad, very well behaved and from a hurling point of view, he had great skills”, said Cathal.

“This is just devastating news and the club’s thoughts and prayers go out to Daryl’s family and friends.

“Daryl was part of our Feile squad which reached the All Ireland Final in Croke Park.”