School's daring tribute to beloved caretaker Paul raises thousands for Air Ambulance NI

THE heartbreak of losing their much-loved caretaker, Paul Corrigan, has inspired staff at Christ the King Primary School in Omagh to take on a daring challenge in his memory - all to raise funds for the service that came to his aid.

This Sunday, principal Roisin Darcy will join colleagues Kellie O’Donnell, Noelle Toner, Angela Grainger, Irene McClements and Maeve McAnespy as they abseil 120 feet down Belfast’s iconic Europa Hotel, in support of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI).

The team has already surpassed their fundraising target of £5,000, with over £5,388 raised and donations continuing to pour in - a testament to the lasting impact Paul made on everyone who knew him.

Paul, who tragically lost his life in a workplace accident on July 3, had joined Christ the King PS in 2021 but quickly became an integral part of the school family. Known for his big heart, infectious humour and unwavering work ethic, he was always ready with a helping hand or a quick joke to brighten someone’s day.

“We are utterly devastated by the passing of Paul,” said principal Roisin Darcy at the time of his passing

“He was more than a colleague - he was a past parent, a great friend, and someone who took real pride in everything he did. No job was ever too big for him, and he left a huge impression on everyone he met.”

It was staff member Kellie O’Donnell who first suggested the abseil, seeing it as a fitting way to honour Paul’s adventurous spirit and generous heart.

“Paul was so fondly thought of in the school,” said Kellie. “We wanted to do something meaningful in his memory and to support a cause that’s close to our hearts. The Air Ambulance were called to Paul’s accident, but sadly he passed away due to the injuries sustained. Fundraising for them just felt right.”

Paul’s family have also been busy honouring his memory. A hike up Mullaghcarn will take lace in the coming weeks.It was postponed at the weekend due to the adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Amy, but an ’80s theme night at the Cat and Fiddle in Omagh raised an impressive £6,200 on Saturday. A marathon run by his nephew Damien, has also already raised more than £3,000. The JustGiving link is still open at www.justgiving.com/page/

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Before joining Christ the King, Paul had spent over three decades working as a caretaker across local schools, including St. Mary’s Primary School, Killyclogher, where he was described as a “much-loved and respected member of staff.”

“Over the past 38-years, Paul Corrigan maintained our school site with great pride, care and attention,” said St Mary’s principal Carole McAuley. “He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”

An Education Authority spokesperson also paid tribute at the time of the tragedy, describing Paul as a “highly valued and dedicated member” of the Facilities Management Service and extending condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Through their fundraising, Christ the King’s staff hope to keep Paul’s generous spirit alive while supporting the Air Ambulance NI, which provides vital emergency medical care across Northern Ireland in partnership with the NI Ambulance Service. On average, one person every day requires its life-saving intervention.

To mark Paul’s birthday on Wednesday last, October 1, staff at Christ the King and Paul’s family members came together to plant an olive tree and place a bench, representing peace and friendship, in his memory. The school hosted an assembly from Damien at Air Ambulance NI to highlight the great work that this charity participates in daily.

As the team prepares to take the leap down the Europa Hotel, their motivation is clear - love, gratitude, and the memory of a man who quietly made a huge difference to his school and community.