Funeral held in Derry for beloved school principal killed in Storm Arwen accident

Francis Lagan was laid to rest in his native Derry, Northern Ireland after he was killed in a tragic accident during Storm Arwen on Friday, November 26.

The 40-year-old husband and father of four was the much-loved principal at St. Mary's Primary School in Glenview, as well as a coach with Watty Graham's GAA club in Co Derry.

On Friday during Storm Arwen, Lagan was killed when a tree struck his car as he was driving on the Dublin Road in Co Antrim. His wife and two of his children are understood to have been in the car as well.

An obituary issued by Gormley Memorials reads: “Francis RIP, beloved husband of Louise, devoted father of Rose, Alice, Beth, and Frank. Loving son of Brian and the late Mary, much loved brother of Roisin, Maura (Devlin), Anne (McCrory), and Brenda (McGlade).

“Deeply regretted by his sorrowing wife, daughters, son, father, sisters, father-in-law Seamus and mother-in-law Margaret Hillen, sister-in-law Emier McWilliams, brothers-in-law Bill, Kieran and Conor, aunts, uncles, nieces, close friends, and wider family circle.”

Gormely Memorials additionally shared a tribute offered by St. Mary’s, Glenview in Co Derry where Lagan was principal: “The Governors, pupils, and staff of St. Mary's Glenview are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden, tragic death of our much-loved Principal, Mr. Lagan. His kindness, dedication, and commitment to staff and pupils will be sorely missed.

"Our heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Louise, children Rose, Alice, Beth and Frank, his father Brian, sisters Roisin, Maura, Anne and Brenda and the wider family circle.”

Lagan’s funeral was held on Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Church in Maghera, Co Derry and interment followed afterward in the adjoining cemetery.

During Tuesday’s funeral service, Francis’ wife Louise said: “Francis was, frankly, the very best husband and most loving, endearing daddy to our dear children.

"We often reminisced and spoke of happiest days. Francis’ happiest days was his wedding day in Rome in July 2010, and the days that marked the birth of our beautiful children: Rose, 8, Alice, 6, Beth, 4, and Frank, 3. These four children sitting in front of me are undoubtedly Francis’ greatest achievements. I will continue to instill his values - faith, family, hard work, education, community, and good manners. We will honor his memory.

“Francis is gone in body. His legacy is strong and vibrant.”

She added: “They say that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken. Francie the legend will live on. May my gentle, beautiful husband, my best friend who blessed and graced my life rest peacefully in the kingdom of heaven.”

Fr Paddy Doherty spoke fondly on Lagan, saying: "He took time to welcome people with a smile" and that "he did make a difference, in our lives, in the lives of our community, and beyond."

The preist added: "Francis, as we affectionately knew him as 'Cutie,' made friends easily and his influence spread far. He made a lasting impression on those who knew him, and his close friends spoke of him as fun-loving, witty, and he was a chief organizer of their social events, a people magnet, willing and obliging."

At Tuesday's service, a guard of honor was formed by members of the Watty Graham An Gleann GAA Club where Lagan coached. The club remembers him as a "great club man, coach, principal, colleague, mentor, friend."

Elsewhere, Michelle McIlveen, Northern Ireland's Minister for Education, also paid tribute to "dedicated and passionate" Lagan:

I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Francis Lagan following his tragic death. I was privileged to visit his wonderful school @StMarysGlenview. He was a dedicated & passionate Principal and will be greatly missed. Michelle McIlveen pic.twitter.com/Fn3fC1aOpy

— Education NI (@Education_NI) November 27, 2021