MOURNERS at the funeral of Oisin McGrath, the schoolboy who died after an incident at St. Michael's College, have been told how the 13 year old was “forever smiling.” Several hundred people, including many of Oisin's fellow classmates, attended the funeral mass at St. Patrick's Church in his home village of Belcoo this morning (Sunday).

Children from St. Michael's College, St. Joseph's College, St. Fanchea's College, Mount Lourdes Grammar School and the Collegiate Grammar School took part in a guard of honour as the funeral cortège made its way to the church alongside members of Enniskillen Athletic Football Club and Belcoo O'Rahilly's, Oisin's beloved GAA club.

Father Seamus Quinn began by telling the young boy's parents, Nigel and Sharon, and his sisters, Caireen and Ciana, that the entire community would continue to stand with them.

Paying tribute to Oisin, Father Quinn said he had a lovely personality, a great sense of humour and was a natural communicator.

“He was always willing to help others. He was a natural, unaffected young lad; quiet and easy to be with with the kind of smile that drew the best out of you whether you were young or old. While he was a leader he was not at all an egotist. He wasn't in love with the position of leader and in fact he would always take time and make a place for people who might not have found it as easy to achieve as he did himself.

“He had the ability to found friendships with those who didn't share his own passions or interests. He was a people person. The grief of the young classmates from St. Michael's and fellow team mates say more than anything any adult could get across about Oisin,” he said.

While a pupil at St. Columban's Primary School in Belcoo, Father Quinn said Oisin excelled in all areas of the curriculum. In English he was an enthusiastic reader and could recite poetry in a way that he put meaning into the poem while in maths, he loved the challenge of solving a problem.

“The teacher would stress the importance of working it out. However, Oisin's maths brain was so sharp he would solve the maths problem mentally more often than not, get the right answer and then ask the teacher; 'Well, what will I do now?'. He had a wonderful knowledge of history and geography and as a result and played a key role in the school winning the Fermanagh Primary school quiz.” Father Quinn read out a letter that a nine year old Oisin had written to physicist and mathematician Isaac Newton (who died in 1727) which provided mourners with an insight into his gifted mind.

“Dear Mr Newton: You were born nearly 360 years ago yet you are still one of the greatest scientists of all time,” wrote Oisin. “One of my favourite shows is Mythbusters where viewers send in theories or myths that they want to be tested. A few months ago the aim of the show spent time trying to prove your theory that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. You and I both know it's true but they spent a long time trying to prove it.” “I looked further into the history books and was astonished to see you were bullied in the 1600s,” wrote Oisin, “Its influence is still spreading in schools today. Children will be inspired by the way you dealt with the bullies. I was amazed to find before you were bullied you were bottom of the class. After you stood up to them you were filled with motivation and enthusiasm to be the best.” His letter added: “I heard your father died before you were born and could barely write his name. He would be so proud of your achievements I have been lying awake at night reading history books to find something you would be amazed to know because there are so many incredible things that you had to share with the world.” Oisin was a keen sportsman and Father Quinn explained how he had played a key role in the football and hurling teams as well as developing into a fine athlete. A tribute from Oisin's team-mates from Belcoo O'Rahilly's was read to the church.

“He was forever smiling; a big, wide happy grin etched on his face, well mannered and polite. From the start I could see that Oisin had talent; he was always a willing listener, he responded to what you wanted it done, there was an unwavering determination within himself to become a better footballer. It was clear to see in recent weeks that his infectious attitude to training was beginning to rub off on those around him; he was more confident in his own ability and was inspiring his team-mates. He was always pressing ahead, eager to improve, which is why we loved him so much.” Gifts were brought to the altar by Oisin's cousins Christine, Killian and Finn and were symbols of his life; his running shoes, iPod and a football.

Oisin's strong relationship with other young people was evident at the funeral; many of those participating in the mass were children, and many broke down in tears during the service.

Father Quinn explained that even when Oisin was leaving St. Columban's Primary School before attending St. Michael's College, his classmates described him in glowing terms.

“They were asked to take a private page and write words to describe each other. Here are the words that Oisin's classmates used to describe him: generous, helpful, giddy, funny, cool, good at football and music and a great friend.” Not only was Oisin a caring friend, but a lovable son and as his father Nigel carried his coffin towards its final resting place following the service, the pain and torment was visible on his face.