St. Columb's Principal Finbar Madden says school community in mourning over death of old boy John Hume

The Principal of John Hume's alma mater St. Columb's College has said the passing of one of its most illustrious old boys has plunged the entire school community into mourning.
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Finbar Madden said Mr. Hume, who died in the early hours of Monday aged 83, had had an immense impact on Irish life and that the school was hugely proud to have been associated with him.

"Whilst we were aware that he had been in declining health for some time, the news of John Hume's death has still come as a huge shock to the entire St. Columb's College community - and has brought with it a palpable sense of sadness and loss.

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"The tributes that have already been paid this morning - and will continue to be paid in the days to come - speak volumes about the life that John lived and the immense impact that his life has had on the history of our island," he said.

John Hume pictured with the bronze of himself by Derry Born Sculptor John Sherlock in St. Columbs College. Photo: John Harrison.John Hume pictured with the bronze of himself by Derry Born Sculptor John Sherlock in St. Columbs College. Photo: John Harrison.
John Hume pictured with the bronze of himself by Derry Born Sculptor John Sherlock in St. Columbs College. Photo: John Harrison.

Mr. Hume was among an influx of working-class pupils who attended 'the college' after the 11 plus was introduced by the Education Act 1947.

He was a contemporary of the late Seamus Heaney and a near contemporary of the late Brian Friel who attended the school about a decade before him.

He was awarded the College Union's 1995 Alumnus Illustrissimus award three years before he was recognised with the Nobel Peace Prize alongside the former Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble.

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Mr. Madden said: "Walking around the corridors of this school, one is constantly reminded of the very strong sense of 'connectedness' that John maintained with his alma mater throughout his life.

"Reflecting on his many achievements, we cannot but feel an immense sense of pride in a life that was lived so well by one of our most famous sons.

"On behalf of the entire school community I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to John's wife, Pat, and his entire family circle."

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