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Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Teen who died in Donegal drowning was a 'truly special soul', funeral hears
The funeral of an 18-year-old who tragically died in Co Donegal heard that he was a 'truly special soul.' Matt Sanele Sibanda, 18, and his friend Emmanuel Famiola, 16, tragically drowned after getting into difficulty while playing football near Ned's Point at Buncrana. Matt was originally from Zimbabwe while Emmanuel was from Nigeria, and both were living in Donegal at the time of the tragedy. Speaking at Matt's funeral on Saturday, his uncle Buhle told mourners that his nephew moved through life with 'quiet dignity and deep respect for others,' and that he was a 'gentle soul.' The funeral of an 18-year-old who tragically died in Co Donegal heard that he was a 'truly special soul.' Pic: Family handout 'The pain of losing him so suddenly taken from us in the ocean's vast embrace is something we are still struggling to understand,' Buhle said. 'But even in our grief, we come together in faith, knowing that God walks with us, especially in our suffering. 'Matt was a truly special soul. He was a humble young man never one to seek the spotlight, never one to boast. He moved through life with quiet dignity and deep respect for others. Whether speaking with elders or playing with younger children, he carried himself with grace. You could see his goodness in the way he treated people with kindness, patience, and sincerity. 'He was the kind of person who made others feel seen, heard, and valued. That is a rare gift, and one that touched everyone who knew him. Though his life was far too short, Matt left us with memories and moments that will live on forever. He may no longer walk beside us, but he lives in our hearts in his gentle smile, in his respectful words, in the quiet strength of his presence. Matt and Emmanuel Familola (pictured) both drowned when they got into difficulty in the water. Pic: Scoil Mhuire Buncrana 'The ocean, in all its mystery, took him from this world, but we believe that God, in His infinite mercy, received him with open arms. As Catholics, we hold to the hope and promise of eternal life. We trust that Matt is now in the presence of our Lord, where there is no more sorrow, only peace and joy.' Buncrana Parish Priest Father Francis Bradley told the funeral at St Mary's Oratory on Saturday that members of Matt's family had travelled to Ireland for the funeral to support his mother Bonnie. 'Over the past three weeks there has been a lot of visiting going on locally,' Fr Bradley said. 'Especially in the light of the tragic events, the tragic deaths of Matt Sibanda and his good friend Emmanuel Familola.' Both boys died after getting into difficulty while entering the water near Ned's Point, Buncrana. Matt's body was recovered some time later, while Emmanuel passed away from his injuries at Letterkenny University Hospital. Pic: Getty 'The events of the afternoon of May 10 last will remain with us for a long time. While some distance has been drawn now from those terrible moments, the loss of Matt and Emmanuel is still an open wound, a sore blow for all of us, but most especially for their grieving families. 'We are all struggling still to come to terms with the loss, still speechless at the suddenness of it, still heartbroken at the enormity of it. While the world has moved on in some respects, we are nevertheless still numbed by the sadness of what happened.' 'From his earliest days in Zimbabwe through to his time here in Buncrana, Matt has always been recognised for his quiet but sociable presence, his smiling face and his great ability to always listen and respond with a deeply respectful and generous heart,' he continued. 'In the building which became his home since his arrival here in late 2023, Matt was the eldest child and with his great gifts and talents, particularly the respect he showed to everyone, but most especially to his mother, he became a natural leader, a first among equals. 'He was undeniably wise and good beyond his years with an ability to sit with other children reading, debating and learning with great enthusiasm, always curious to know a little more. His surname Sibanda means lion. Our new Pope has taken the name Leo, which also means lion. 'Both Leo and Matt Sibanda shared something important in common, as well as their Catholic faith, their ability to listen to all sides of the debate, never judging, but helping all sides to reach a better solution. All of this stemmed from a profound respect for his mother. He always listened to her and he never, ever spoke back to her, even once, throughout his 18 years. '[He was] a man of few words, a good and kind boy, a humble kid.'
Irish Post
18-05-2025
- General
- Irish Post
'A true ambassador of hope': Funeral takes place of Emmanuel Familola who died in Donegal tragedy
ONE of the two teenagers who died after getting into difficulty in the sea in Co. Donegal last week has been described as 'a true ambassador of hope'. Emmanuel Familola, 16, died in the tragedy in Buncrana last week, as did his friend Matt Sibanda, 18. Emmanuel's funeral was held yesterday at St Mary's Oratory in the town, where a vigil was held for the two teenagers last Sunday. Parish Priest Fr Francis Bradley said Emmanuel 'had a serene magnetism to him which crossed social, ethnic and cultural boundaries, for his warmth and charisma spoke every language, touched every heart'. Fr Bradley was joined on the altar by Fr Cajetan Apeh, a Nigerian priest based in Derry. Taoiseach Micheál Martin was represented at the funeral by aide de camp Commandant Joe Glennon. Also in attendance was Kate Gillen, Principal Officer for IPAS, representing Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris. Meanwhile, Emmanuel's school friends from Scoil Mhuire Buncrana were joined by their principal, Evelyn McLoughlin. 'In Emmanuel, they found shelter' In front of Emmanuel's mother, Glory, and his brothers, Daniel and John, Fr Bradley said the teenager always put others before himself and was a protective force for those around him. "It was he who looked out for other's needs, was endlessly patient and kind and so, so respectful — such an attractive personality given the plethora of gifts and talents he possessed and every one of them carried with gentle ease and good humour," he said. "Perhaps without even being aware of it, he sought out vulnerable kids in school — or more precisely, they sought him out, drawn to his fun-loving heart, his warm smile, his sharp wit and his great, great charisma. "In Emmanuel, they found the shelter they needed amid the storms of life and living. He will be sorely missed by so very many of his friends and contemporaries. "He was a credit to his mother, his brothers, his family and his country. 'Devotion of heart' "A true ambassador of hope, a witness to how we should never let the harsh experiences of life define us but rather we must always allow them to deepen or resolve and refocus our vision on being the person God himself has called each of us to be. "Emmanuel distinguished himself by his devotion of heart, by his courtesy, calmness and sense of gratitude for anything and everything he was given." During the service, gifts were brought to the altar to remember Emmanuel's life. These included a collage of photos from his recent work experience with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, as well as a certificate to mark his time there, which he was due to receive earlier this week. Also brought to the altar was a Manchester City shirt, representing his love of the club and the sport, as well as his Bible to reflect his deep faith. Following the funeral, Emmanuel was laid to rest at the adjoining Cockhill Cemetery. Matt's funeral is due to take place next week. See More: Buncrana, Emmanuel Familola
The Journal
17-05-2025
- General
- The Journal
'Ambassador of hope' - Funeral takes place of Donegal drowning victim Emmanuel Familola
THE FUNERAL OF a 16-year-old schoolboy who died after getting into difficulty off the coast of Donegal has remembered him as 'an ambassador of hope' in Buncrana. Emmanuel Familola was one of two teenagers who tragically died in the incident outside the town last weekend. The requiem mass of Emmanuel took place at St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana. Students from Emmanuel's school, Scoil Mhuire, formed a guard of honour as his mother, Glory, and other family members arrived for the service. Some of Emmanuel's relatives are watching the funeral remotely from Nigeria, while hundreds of locals attended the church. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris are being represented at the funeral by aide-de-camp Commandant Joe Glennon. Speaking ahead of the service, Tony Joel, a neighbour of the Familola family in Nigeria, thanked the people from Buncrana, from Inishowen and from Donegal for 'being there for us from the moment this tragedy happened'. He also extended thanks to the RNLI and hospital staff at Letterkenny General Hospital 'who tried so hard to save Emmanuel'. 'We cannot thank you enough for the unity and love you have given to this family and for supporting us all in this hard time. Advertisement 'May Almighty God continue to bless this country, continue to bless this community and every family here,' Joel said, speaking on behalf of the African Community in Donegal. Emmanuel was remembered by a local priest as 'charismatic with an ability to draw people to him'. Fr Francis Bradley, parish priest of Buncrana, said Emmanuel carried 'a real warmth, stature, dignity, and nobility'. 'He looked out for other's needs, was endlessly patient and kind, and so so respectful; such an attractive personality given the plethora of gifts and talents he possessed, and every one of them carried with gentle ease and good humour,' Bradley said. He told those in attendance that Emmanuel would seek out and help vulnerable children in his school, giving them 'the shelter they needed amid the storms of life and living'. 'All of this has made the tragedy which befell himself and Matt Sibanda from Zimbabwe on Saturday evening last all the more difficult to comprehend, all the more painful for his family, for all of us and especially for his friends who were there and did their best to help.' Emmanuel Familola and Matt Sibanda Scoil Mhuire Buncrana and Crana College Scoil Mhuire Buncrana and Crana College The priest explained the tragic circumstances of the deaths of Emmanuel and Matt Sibanda – it is understood a group had been playing football on the beach at Ned's Point, just outside Buncrana, and some had gone into the water to retrieve a ball. 'None of us can judge the actions which led to such a calamitous tragedy,' Bradley said. 'If hindsight were foresight, we'd all have insight.' 'May Emmanuel Kolawole Familola and Matt Sibanda both now rest in peace.' The funeral mass for Matt Sibanda will be held next week. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
12-05-2025
- The Journal
'Heartbreaking loss of two young lives': Taoiseach leads tributes to teens who drowned off Buncrana
TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has paid tribute to the two teenage boys who tragically died after drowning off the coast of Buncrana at the weekend. Matt Sibanda, 18, and Emmanuel Familola, 16, are understood to have been playing football on Saturday when they went into the sea to retrieve a ball. 'Very saddened at the shocking and tragic passing of Emmanuel Familola and Matt Sibanda in Buncrana over the weekend,' the Taoiseach wrote on social media. He described the incident as a 'heartbreaking loss of two young lives'. 'Thinking of their families, friends, the local community and the first responders at this devastating time,' he said. Very saddened at the shocking and tragic passing of Emmanuel Familola and Matt Sibanda in Buncrana over the weekend. A heartbreaking loss of two young lives. Thinking of their families, friends, the local community and the first responders at this devastating time. — Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 11, 2025 Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has also extended his condolences. 'I want to extend my condolences to the families and friends of Emmanuel Familola and Matt Sibanda who drowned yesterday off the coast of Buncrana. It was a terrible tragedy,' he said. Emmanuel Familola attended Scoil Mhuire Buncrana. His school has paid tribute to him online, saying there are are 'no words that can fully capture the pain and sorrow we are feeling right now'. 'Emmanuel embodied the true ethos of Scoil Mhuire. He was known for his warm personality, gentle humour, and thoughtful nature,' the school's tribute said. 'He immersed himself fully in our school community and was highly regarded by staff and students alike.' Advertisement Emmanuel had just completed Transition Year and was 'looking forward to starting his Senior Cycle'. 'Just last week he completed a work experience in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was ambitious and full of potential, always appreciative of the opportunities he was given and he never failed to show gratitude.' Matt Sibanda attended school at Crana College. 'It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the loss of our beloved student, Matt Sibanda, who tragically lost his life at sea,' the school has said. 'Our heartfelt condolences go to Matt's family, who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their cherished son and loved one. 'The entire community of Crana College, including students, staff, Board of Management, and parents, are heartbroken following the tragic events that occurred in Buncrana on Saturday.' Both schools have taken steps to provide supports to grieving students. Members of the community attended a prayer vigil at St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana yesterday in memory of the two students. 'I welcome you all in such huge numbers this afternoon with members of the local community, especially the families of Matt and Emmanuel, who are in awful trauma today,' the congregation heard. 'Yesterday, this time 24 hours ago, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the sea was attractive, everything was wonderful. 'Today, a dark cloud has come over everybody in different ways, but especially the families of Emmanuel and Matt.' Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray, speaking to RTÉ, said the boys went in to the water 'like any kid would do, it's what I would have done myself, they went in after the ball'. 'The innocence of kids playing football and this is the outcome of it, there's no words to describe how awful this incident is.' Contains additional reporting by Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
