I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death.
They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make.
Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.
We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.
~Leo Buscaglia~
On the 19th of December 2015 Mark Fordham died suddenly. He was in 2nd Class aged just 8 years old. It seems to us now, that like a shooting star, he burned most radiantly because his life was so short. He connected with every child and member of staff in his time with us…weaving a special spell, leaving us heartbroken, but leaving us also with a store of treasured memories.
Mark was dramatic, imaginative and witty and funny- His games required a big group of playmates, eager to find out what fabulous adventure they were going to experience. His games needed the entire expanse of our playground. Each day, walls, leaves, pebbles, rocks and trees were imaginatively transformed into potions, kingdoms and portals to other galaxies and fantasy lands.
Mark was confident, aware of his charisma and he loved being social. When asked in a writing activity if there was anything he would change about himself if he could his answer was simple. It is inscribed on the seat of the throne which stands as a memorial to him.
It reads: “everything is good”
Mark was inventive and very bright academically. He was the centre of attention, someone who rippled with energy and enthusiasm. He loved music. Fittingly “Electricity’ was one of his favourite songs. We have lots of mementos of Mark, photographs of him at work and play, samples of his writing, video footage of his antics in his role of director for a nativity play and singing in the choir at our Carol Service- his face beaming as he copied the conductor’s antics!
Every adult and child who knew Mark was devastated by his passing. Yet no one in our school ever wished to have missed the opportunity to know him, despite experiencing the pain of parting with him. We think of Mark here every day. We see his memorial- the throne and a circular bench set on a circle of paving stones beneath the trees, a constant reminder of him and his dear parents Donal and Patricia.
Mark made us want to be better friends, better teachers, better parents. He showed us that in his short life every moment matters and that every day is a chance to shine. He inspired our school to celebrate every child as a unique treasure trove of talents and gifts who leave a legacy no one can ever fully comprehend.
Walk a Mile in Memory of Mark Fordham
/in What's Happening /by 5ch00lAdm1nPatricia & Donal would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and prayers. They would like you to join them in celebrating Mark’s life and also supporting First Light, a charity that supports bereaved parents/families.
They invite you to walk with them in
Ballinderreen Pitch on
Sunday 22nd May at 2.00p.m.
and join them for refreshments afterwards
in the Community Centre.
If anyone would like to bake items or help out on the day
please contact
Michelle Leyden (0863288815) or
Siobhan O’Sullivan (0860851769)
Remembering Mark
/in Mark Fordham /by 5ch00lAdm1nI know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death.
They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make.
Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.
We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.
~Leo Buscaglia~
On the 19th of December 2015 Mark Fordham died suddenly. He was in 2nd Class aged just 8 years old. It seems to us now, that like a shooting star, he burned most radiantly because his life was so short. He connected with every child and member of staff in his time with us…weaving a special spell, leaving us heartbroken, but leaving us also with a store of treasured memories.
Mark was dramatic, imaginative and witty and funny- His games required a big group of playmates, eager to find out what fabulous adventure they were going to experience. His games needed the entire expanse of our playground. Each day, walls, leaves, pebbles, rocks and trees were imaginatively transformed into potions, kingdoms and portals to other galaxies and fantasy lands.
Mark was confident, aware of his charisma and he loved being social. When asked in a writing activity if there was anything he would change about himself if he could his answer was simple. It is inscribed on the seat of the throne which stands as a memorial to him.
It reads: “everything is good”
Mark was inventive and very bright academically. He was the centre of attention, someone who rippled with energy and enthusiasm. He loved music. Fittingly “Electricity’ was one of his favourite songs. We have lots of mementos of Mark, photographs of him at work and play, samples of his writing, video footage of his antics in his role of director for a nativity play and singing in the choir at our Carol Service- his face beaming as he copied the conductor’s antics!
Every adult and child who knew Mark was devastated by his passing. Yet no one in our school ever wished to have missed the opportunity to know him, despite experiencing the pain of parting with him. We think of Mark here every day. We see his memorial- the throne and a circular bench set on a circle of paving stones beneath the trees, a constant reminder of him and his dear parents Donal and Patricia.
Mark made us want to be better friends, better teachers, better parents. He showed us that in his short life every moment matters and that every day is a chance to shine. He inspired our school to celebrate every child as a unique treasure trove of talents and gifts who leave a legacy no one can ever fully comprehend.
Media Statement from Kiltiernan National School
/in What's Happening /by 5ch00lAdm1nMedia Statement from Kiltiernan National School
My name is Bríd Fenlon, Acting Principal of Kiltiernan N.S. We learned this morning of the untimely death of Mark Fordham, a 2nd Class pupil in our school. This is a terrible tragedy for the Fordham and extended family, our school and our community. We are deeply saddened by this event. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Mark’s family and friends. Mark will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to have known him. We have been in contact with Mark’s parents who have requested that we all understand their need for privacy at this time.
Our school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan. Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have supported and advised our staff at this time. The school will be open on Monday and Tuesday in an effort to support our pupils and parents deal with this tragic event.
We ask that you respect the privacy of the family and the school community at this time.
Bríd Fenlon on behalf of Critical Incident Management Team KNS