Tributes have been paid to Keady man John McSorley, the bus driver who has been hailed a hero after his actions saved dozens of schoolchildren from serious injury after a crash in south Armagh.
Father-of-five Mr McSorley sadly passed away after the incident, on the Tullyah Road, on Tuesday afternoon.
Some 40 pupils of St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook had been travelling in the bus, between Belleeks and Newtownhamilton, when the collision happened.
A major incident had been declared, multiple police, medics and fire service personnel racing to the scene, with St Paul’s High principal Dáithí Murray later confirming that all the students had safety exited the bus.
Sadly, however, the driver was later confirmed to have died in a post on social media by his employer, Newry-based Quinn Coaches.
Loughgilly Parish Priest Fr Malachy Murphy has said the parish and wider community were in shock after what had happened.
He also paid tribute to Mr McSorley, offering sympathy to his family, and praised the efforts of the emergency services and the actions of the pupils at the scene.
Said Fr Murphy: “It was compounded when the news came through that the driver, Mr John McSorley, had passed away at the scene. We send our sympathies to John’s family at this tragic time and our prayers to all those young pupils who were involved in this tragic incident.
“We also wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the emergency services who attended the scene with dedication and professionalism during a difficult time. Their swift response and care are deeply appreciated.
“Furthermore, we commend the bravery and quick thinking of the pupils on the bus. Their courage in exiting the vehicle, aiding their fellow schoolmates, and attempting to assist the driver until help arrived exemplifies the true spirit of compassion and bravery in the face of adversity.
“The Parish is proud of the pupils, who would have attended our local primary schools.
“The parish of Loughgilly and wider community send our condolences and our prayers to all families involved.”
Some of the pupils caught up in the incident played football for St Killian’s GAC in Whitecross.
And the club too offered its sympathy to the family of Mr McSorley.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone at Quinn Coaches and sincerest condolences to the driver’s family at this sad news,” the club shared on social media.
“We are grateful that all of our underage players and their friends are safe.
“Thank-you to all of the emergency services and those who assisted at the scene.
“Thinking of everyone impacted by this incident.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Local political representatives have also voiced their relief that the children had escaped without serious injury and hailed the actions of Mr McSorley.
Sinn Féin MLA Aoife Finnegan said: “We are profoundly sad to learn of the driver’s death. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, work colleagues, and the students who knew him at this heartbreaking time. He was carrying out his work when this tragedy occurred, and his loss has had a deep impact on the local community.
“While there is relief that no children were seriously injured, today our focus is on a life that has been lost.
“We would ask that the privacy of his family and all those affected is respected.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
The SDLP Assemblyman Justin McNulty also spoke of the “deep sadness” at the news of Mr Sorley’s passing.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of the wider community, are with the driver’s family following this tragic death,” he said.
“This will have been an awful shock for them and from the tributes paid it is clear he was highly regarded and respected by colleagues.
“It is miraculous that all the children on board escaped with only minor injuries. Nonetheless, this will have been a frightening and traumatic experience for them and it is important they receive the support they need in the days and weeks ahead.
“This is a shocking and sad incident that has affected many people in our community, but most of all the driver’s family. I know local people will rally around the St Paul’s pupils and the family of the deceased at this very difficult time.”
Quinn Coaches described Mr McSorley as a “respected and experienced member of our team” who will be “greatly missed”.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be confirmed later today (Thursday).
A death notice has described Mr Sorley as the “beloved son of the late Anthony and Jesse and brother of the late Liam RIP”, and a “loving father to Darren, Rose, Grace, Jack and Faith”.
His passing is “deeply regretted by his children, sisters Elizabeth, Maura, Deirdre, Philomena, Barbara, Antoinette, Jessica and Sheila, brothers Hugh and Stephen, nieces, nephews and the entire family circle and many friends”.
