Offaly school pays tribute after passing of popular young teacher

Coláiste Íosagáin in Portarlington has paid tribute to Liam Hogan, after the death of the popular teacher.

Having been battling illness, Liam passed away in St Vincent's Hospital Dublin yesterday (Tuesday). A native of Ballybrittas, Co. Laois, Liam was only 28 years old.

Coláiste Íosagáin, located in Offaly close to the border with Laois, fondly recalled Liam's contribution after the "untimely passing of our colleague, friend and team mentor".

"As a past pupil and a member of our teaching staff, we can count ourselves lucky to have encountered such a kind, dedicated, passionate person in our working and teaching lives," said the school's tribute.

"As a staff member Liam coached school football teams. What stood out most about him was that each student enjoyed the sessions and turned up again and again. He wanted students to feel good about themselves. In a world where winning is so important, Liam always thought about his players rather than the result. He was so selfless with his time, and indeed spent time on sidelines throughout Laois and Offaly supporting our students playing for club and county.

"Liam was often spotted throughout the school having a quiet encouraging word with students about how well they were playing or where they can improve. He organised the fiercely competitive senior soccer league every year, a highlight for many students last few months in school. As a student Liam wore the school jersey with pride and won back to back South Leinster titles," the tribute continued.

"When he was in 6th year he was the team coach/player in the senior soccer league. Indeed a lot more time was put into team tactics and team selection than actual preparation for his Leaving Cert exams!

"He could be seen on the sideline roaring on his peers, making vital changes and questioning referees decisions! His team were the champions and Liam was raised up high on their shoulders and paraded around the pitch. He spent many hours in the staff room discussing his beloved Arsenal.

"We have lost a true gentleman, and a loyal friend. Our sincere condolences to his parents, siblings and grandparents. May his gentle soul rest in peace," the tribute concluded.

Liam Hogan of Ballintogher, Ballybrittas, Co. Laois passed away peacefully in the company of his loving family in St Vincent's Hospital Dublin yesterday (Tuesday). Predeceased by his grandfather Liam and his brother Darren. Greatly missed by his heartbroken parents, Michael and Mary, his brother Brian and sister Rebecca, grandparents Christy and Kathleen O'Connor, his grandmother Josephine Hogan, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, colleagues, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

Liam will be reposing at his residence (R32 W296) on Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm, concluding with rosary at 8pm on both days. Removal on Friday at 11:15am to arrive at the Sacred Heart Church, Rath (R32 FN44) for 12 noon Requiem Mass. Interment to follow in the New Cemetery, Emo. House private on Friday morning please. Donations if desired to St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin.