PICTURES: Funeral for tragic Ellie McDonnell hears she ‘lived a life full of promise’ - many mourners wore ‘show gear’ - 18 images of funeral cortege
Emblems of Ellie’s life were brought to the altar as her white coffin was carried into the church.
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Father Feargal McGrady PP at St Patrick’s Church, Ballyphillip Road, Portaferry told mourners that “Ellie was 16 years-old and lived life to the full”.
The cleric added: “She was full of life and full of promise”.
During the service Father McGrady asked mourners “not to he gloomy as Ellie would not have wanted that”.
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Addressing mourners the senior cleric said: “One thing Ellie would have said through her illness was I don’t want to go. I don’t want to die.
“I want to keep on living. And for a 16-year-old that would be the most natural thing in the world.
“And there will be people here today who will be threatened by what has happened here because 16-year-old’s want to live life.
“And that is what Ellie certainly did”.
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He added that Ellie’s favourite word was ‘fantabulous’ and on July 6, 2004 she attended her first horse show “and from there she achieved numerous victories in the Balmoral Show, Dublin Show and so many others across the UK.”
Fr McGrady added that Ellie had also spent her summers working with the National Pony Society where she made “many lasting friendships along the way”.
Mourners also heard that “Ellie raised £28,500 for the Air Ambulance after she was seriously injured in a quad bike accident last year”.
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“Ellie realised how vital the service is to save lives after her own rescue and had hoped to become a doctor and possibly work for them one day”.
Father McGrady added that just two days prior to her death, “Ellie had spent the day filming with the Air Ambulance”.
Earlier Ellie’s mother - Mary McDonnell - paid tribute to the talented 16-year-old as a girl who ‘smiled like an angel’.
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A death notice online describes Ellie - who died on September 12 - as the ‘dearly loved daughter of Peter and Mary and dear sister of Max’.
It adds the service can be viewed live on the parish webcam https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-patricks-church-ballyphilip.
In a post on Facebook, Mary McDonnell, said: “Ellie is a child that won the nations hearts and her young friends have shared their heart breaking sadness openly.
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“Ellie over the last 14 months pushed herself harder than any human being , she fought hard to live ,she fought hard to get back to riding her ponies.
“Her love for them frightened me, she rode and loved her ponies with passion beyond words.
“Ellie never showed pain and the accident caused her a lot pain with the numerous surgeries on her brain, the patching up of her skull each time and the shaving of her beautiful hair. Yet she smiled like an angel and carried on”.
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The tribute from Ellie’s mother comes as an appeal has been made on social media for her friends from the equestrian world to wear their ‘show gear’ to her funeral tomorrow.
Yesterday funeral details were released for Ellie on John Smith Funeral Directors online page.
On social media a friend of the Co Down teenager said: “Guys as you all know since Ellie’s accident she has dedicated her life to raising money for the Air Ambulance. If I could ask if everyone could bring a red ballon to let off in remembrance of Ellie
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“ We all know that Ellie lived and breathed the showing world.
“Could we also ask that all of Ellie’s close young showing friends and family wear their show gear (navy jacket and stock, evening performance gear) to the funeral to create a guard of honour for our beautiful friend
“Thursday 17th September at 11.00am, “escorted by her beloved horses, calling at her stables and then via the Deerpark Road, Ardkeen to St Patrick’s Church, Ballyphillip Road, Portaferry for a service at 12.00 noon”.”
She adds: “Please can everyone share this post”.
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Tributes to Ellie have poured online since news of her passing became known.
A pupil at Down High School in Downpatrick, the 16-year-old from Portaferry was known for her “maturity of outlook and
truly indomitable spirit”.
In a statement Principal of Down High school, Mrs Maud Perry, said: “The entire Down High School community is shocked and deeply saddened by Ellie’s tragic death.
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“Ellie was a popular pupil, who was held in great affection by her many friends and by all of the teachers and support staff.
“Ellie’s tenacity after her accident last year was truly inspirational, and she showed a level of courage and positivity that was remarkable.
“Ellie was an exceptional student, conscientious, hardworking and highly intelligent.
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“She was also one of the stars of the school’s equestrian team and competed regularly across the British Isles to very high acclaim.
“Ellie loved horses and her passion for the outdoors was obvious.
“The Northern Ireland Air Ambulance was a cause very close to Ellie’s heart, and after her accident last year she worked tirelessly to raise money to support this wonderful cause.
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“Ellie spoke passionately to large audiences of her peers and the wider community about the work of the Air Ambulance and those who heard her were struck by her maturity of outlook and truly indomitable spirit.
“As a school community, we are grateful for the compassion offered by our school staff as they support Ellie’s friends and classmates.
“It was an absolute privilege to have known Ellie. We will treasure the precious memories we have of her and will miss her terribly.
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“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ellie’s parents, brother, the wider family circle and her friends at this devastating time”.
In recent weeks the 16-year-old supported National Air Ambulance Week to highlight the fact that every second counts when a life is in the balance and life-saving medical care is needed.
At the time of her accident her family was told by doctors at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast that she would not have survived a further five minutes without the air ambulance being deployed.
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News of Ellie’s death has been met with shock and despair on social media.
A message on Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church Facebook page says: “Some sad news, Ellie McDonnell, the girl who recently had surgery to fit a titanium plate has died suddenly.
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“Apparently she had been in great form but her family found her dead in bed this morning.
“Please pray for Gods comfort for them as they come to terms with their loss”.
Many more messages of grief are shared by Ellie’s friends in the showjumping fraternity.
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A message from Hannah Victoria - on the Northern Ireland Association Of The Welsh Pony And Cob Society Facebook page says: “The committee of the Northern Ireland Welsh Pony and Cob Society are devastated to hear of the passing of young Ellie McDonnell who has been an avid supporter of the show from a young age.
“Ellie has been an inspiration to so many and leaves behind a huge legacy. We will truly miss seeing her at the shows.
We send our heartfelt condolences and sincerest sympathy to her parents Peter and Mary and brother Max at this extremely difficult time”.
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A message from Kathryn Smiley in the Irish Pony Society, Northern Area says: “It is with the greatest sadness that the Committee and Members of the IPS Northern Area share with you the devastating news of the sudden passing on Saturday of our dear member Ellie McDonnell.
“We send our heartfelt condolences and sincerest sympathy to her parents Peter and Mary and brother Max at this extremely difficult time”.
Meanwhile messages posted on ‘Showing Live’ Facebook page say: “To the smartest, wittiest, with the greatest sense of humour and the most infectious laugh, thank you for the memories. Fly high Ellie
My heart is breaking for Mary,Peter and Max”.
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Another from Laura Clutton says: “Utterly heart broken to read this. No parent should lose their child, their soulmate before them Fly high beautiful girl may you have many unicorns to ride on the other side. All my love and thoughts for her family and friends”.
Another message from Hayley Grota adds: “So very sadHeartbreaking for parents & family. RIP Ellie xx”.
Another message of condolence from Ballygalget GAC says: “Ballygalget GAC Committee are saddened to hear of the untimely death of Ellie McDonnell, sister of our juvenile player Max.
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“Our condolences are extended to Ellie’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam”.
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