'Dylan embodied everything that is positive about the young people of South Armagh': Tributes to teen who died in crash

Tributes have been paid to Dylan Vallely, who has died three weeks after a crash near Camlough.

The teenager, from Newtownhamilton, was one of three people involved in the single-vehicle crash on Sturgan Road on 27 October.

Police said at the time of the crash the that Dylan was a back-seat passenger in the car.

A tribute from St Michael’s GFC, Newtownhamilton chairman, Liam Carragher said, “Our club is heartbroken on the passing of Dylan Vallely, our 2023 minor player of the year, our team mate and our friend.

"Dylan was a great lad, on and off the pitch, hardworking, talented and with great manners.

"He was well known and loved within not just our club, but also in the whole GAA community in South Armagh and further afield.

"At this tough time, foremost in our thoughts are Dylan’s family. We offer our prayers and support for parents Shane and Catherine, sisters Sophia and Amelia and the wider Vallely and Toner family circle.

"Our thoughts are also with other club members affected by this tragedy including all of Dylan’s team mates and circle of friends.

“Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.”

Dylan was a Year 13 pupil at St Joseph’s High School in Crossmaglen. The school said Dylan “touched our lives in so many ways during his time with us”.

In a statement the school said: “He was not just a student, he was a shining light in the classroom, in the playground, on the football field and was a valued, beloved member of our school community.

“His infectious smile, wonderful sense of humour and mischievous glint in his eye never failed to entertain his friends and teachers alike.

“Dylan also had a serious side where, as a Senior Prefect, he was the perfect role model with his mature and courteous manner that leaves an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

"Dylan lived out the core values of St Joseph’s in that he had a rare gift for making everyone feel valued and included, and he never hesitated to offer a helping hand to those in need.

"While we grieve as a school community, let us also remember the joy, love, friendship and inspiration he brought into our lives.

"His kindness and personality meant that he was loved and respected by both his teachers and peers; his death leaves a void in our school community.

"We should honour Dylan’s memory by living our lives with the same kindness, compassion, determined attitude and ardent desire to strive for improvement just as he did."

The school described Dylan as “someone you felt proud to be associated with.

"He was a boy steeped in moral value, instinctively knowing the difference between right and wrong,” they continued.

“Dylan was not just a leader – he was the leader. He captained every school team he played for, and his friends and teammates knew exactly who to follow on and off the field. As a footballer he lit up ‘many a pitch’ in Armagh and leaves a glowing light in the life of everyone he met.

"Dylan embodied everything that is positive about the young people of South Armagh. His impact on the life of St Joseph’s High School is impossible to quantify, but his innate goodness will always be the standard by which all of us are measured, and that is a truly remarkable legacy to leave. If there is such a thing as the perfect pupil, then Dylan belonged to this special group. Although we are heartbroken, we feel very fortunate to be able to count Dylan as a member of the St Joseph’s family, and one we will never forget.

"It is with heavy hearts that we extend our deepest sympathy to his mother Catherine, his father Shane, his sisters Sophia and Amelia and extended Vallely and Toner families and friends as they come to terms with the loss of their dearest Dylan.”

Newry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy said he was very sad to learn of the teenager's death.

"Dylan was an extremely talented young footballer who was well known within his local community and across all of south Armagh," the Sinn Fein representative said.

"All our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Dylan at this extremely difficult time."