Keady Bus Driver John McSorley Remembered as a Hero After Passing Away During School Run

John McSorley, a 56-year-old father of five from Keady, has been hailed a hero after passing away on Tuesday afternoon while driving 40 pupils of St. Paul’s High School in Bessbrook. Mr. McSorley, a valued employee of Quinn Coaches, reportedly took unwell at the wheel, resulting in a collision on the Tullyah Road, between Newtownhamilton and Belleeks.

Heroic Actions Remembered at Funeral Mass

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Patrick’s Church in Keady on Sunday morning, led by Father Sean O’Neill, to celebrate the life of Mr. McSorley and acknowledge his dedication to the safety of his passengers. Fr. O’Neill emphasized that Mr. McSorley’s “last actions on this earth” were focused on protecting the schoolchildren in his care.

“We are mindful. We are thankful that John did what he could in those moments to ensure that that was the case,” Fr. O’Neill said during the service. He described Mr. McSorley as a “careful, diligent bus driver” who “took great pride in his function” and carried it out “with perfection.”

Tributes and Remembrance

Items representing Mr. McSorley’s life were displayed at the altar during the Mass, including musical instruments to reflect his love of music, a model bus and Quinn Coaches uniform to symbolize his profession, and photographs of loved ones. Fr. O’Neill acknowledged the unexpected nature of Mr. McSorley’s passing, stating, “Our days on this earth are not guaranteed.”

Fr. O’Neill also praised the St. Paul’s pupils who offered support to Mr. McSorley in his final moments. He expressed gratitude that none of the students were seriously injured in the incident.

Loughgilly Parish Priest Fr Malachy Murphy previously stated the parish and wider community were in shock after the incident, offering sympathy to Mr. McSorley’s family and praising the efforts of the emergency services as reported by Armaghi.com.

Community Support and Emergency Response

The incident prompted a major emergency response, with police, medics, and fire service personnel rushing to the scene. St. Paul’s High School principal Dáithí Murray confirmed that all students safely exited the bus. According to Armaghi.com, thanks was offered to the emergency service personnel and school students who tended to Mr. McSorley in his final moments.

No Serious Injuries to Students

Despite the collision, all 40 students from St. Paul’s High School escaped unharmed. The Sun reported that this was confirmed after the crash.