Family will always be asking why?

'If any money we raise from having this benefit night goes towards preventing another family from the pain of having to wait such a long time to find a loved one then it will have been very worthwhile,' said John.

'We'll always be asking why,' he said. It was on November 16 that the nightmare began for the McGahey's when that call, every parent dreads, came to their front door and John and Ann were told that their bright, funny, 19year-old son had gone into the river.

'We just couldn't believe it,' said John. 'It was the last thing we were expecting to hear when we saw the gardai. He had been in great form going out that night and didn't seem down or depressed about anything. People who met him on the night said he was his usual self so it's hard to comprehend. We feel that for him to do this he must, have had something on his mind but we'll never know.'

And wanting no other family to endure the pain his family is experiencing John urged young people to talk to someone if they have a problem.

All we cling on to is that the Niall who went into the river wasn't our Niall as we knew him, something must have snapped,' he said. 'So what I say to young people is that if there is anything bothering them, do talk to someone.'

Remembering her second youngest child, Ann recalls that he never was any problem growing up and enjoyed a great relationship both with his parents and his brothers and sisters who he socialised with all the time.

An electronics student in the in the DKIT in Dundalk, Niall was hoping to become an electrician but as there were no apprenticeships available locally he took up electronics to have as an extra.

He was in his second year in Dundalk and was popular amongst his fellow pupils many of whom, took part in early morning riverside searches during the six week that Niall was missing.

He worked part-time as a barman in the Westcourt Hotel where he earned the nickname 'Lurch' after the character in the Adams Family., In the Westcourt Niall was well liked and renowned for his pranks and sense of humour.

Niall McGahey's biggest 'passion in life though was hurling. Neighbours in College Rise recall seeing him from a young age with the hurling stick practicing on the green.

He possessed a great talent for the sport and after playing with St Joseph's CBS Secondary School went on to play for the Wolf Tones Football Club and also played for Louth U/16's, 11/18's and the minors.

His biggest feat was winning the 11/18 County Championships with the Wolfe Tones, an achievement of which he was very proud. His family fondly recalled how he broke his ankle during the match and couldn't wait to get out of casualty to join in the celebrations.

He also loved music and travelled regularly to concerts in Dublin with his older brother Fergal and their friends, always enjoying the banter and the craic.

He got on well with everyone and typical of his generous nature when he seen the young kids in the street struggling to put up their bonfire at hallowe'en in October gone by he got stuck in and did it for them before going off to work. 'He was laughing when he came in remembering what it was like when he was young and getting the bonfire ready,' recalled Ann. 'He was delighted to have been able to give the kids a hand.'

Niall had much to look forward to in the year ahead not least his brother's wedding and a family holiday to Egypt. For his family left behind they are struggling to pick up the pieces but they will be forever grateful that Niall was returned to them.

Both John and Ann turned to their faith to help them through and they are convinced that God played his part in Niall being found on Christmas morning. 'It was was the best Christmas present we could have hotel. got,' said John. 'It was unbearably hard the wait, not knowing,' he said.

Niall was brought home to College Rise for two nights. His requiem Mass was celebrated in Our Lady of Lourdes Church by Fr. Paddy Rushe CC St Peter's assisted by Monsignor Francis Donnelly. Fr. Malachy from the DKIT Dundalk and Fr Goode from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and the packed attendance spoke volumes for the lad that Niall McGahey was, hugely liked and well thought of by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The benefit night being organised by Niall's family takes place on January 26 which is the date of his month's mind and the day before what would have been his 20th birthday.

The Westcourt Hotel and all the bands are giving their services free of charge and all money raised will be divided equally between 'the two river rescue services. Bands already confirmed to play include Metal Itia, Who's Who, Exchequer, Foot Loose, Prowler and Vamp . Tickets cost €10 and are available from the hotel.

Niall is survived by his parents, brothers and sisters, nephew Ryan, godson Robert, grannies Mrs McGahey from Yellowbätter and Mrs Caulfield from Athenry, aunties, uncles, cousins, relatives and many friends.

© Mid Louth Independent