Heartbreaking tragedy: School pays tribute to 11-year-old Caitlin-Rose

Eleven-year-old Caitlin-Rose

Tributes have been paid following the heartbreaking tragedy that took the life of a young girl from

Castledawson

Eleven-year-old Caitlin-Rose was a pupil of St Pius X College in Magherafelt. The young girl was making her way home from school on Wednesday afternoon, 5th March, when she was tragically struck by a car after exiting a schoolbus on the Hillhead Road shortly after 4pm.

The college principal and staff paid tribute to the “very popular” and described her as “always smiling” with a “kind and fun-loving nature”.

The statement from St Pius X College says:

“It was with profound sadness that we were informed this morning about the loss of one of our pupils. Our thoughts and prayers are with Caitlin-Rose’s mother and father, her brother, Shea, who is also a pupil at St. Pius X College, and the wider family circle during this incredibly difficult time.

“Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling. Her Form Teachers described her as ‘a joy to teach due to her kind and fun-loving nature’. She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike.

“Over the course of Year 8, Caitlin-Rose earned numerous accolades for excellent effort and outstanding classwork, approaching every assignment with interest and enthusiasm.

“Caitlin Rose’s friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services.

“We acknowledge, and are very grateful for, the support both staff and students have received from the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team at this very challenging time.

“May Caitlin-Rose’s gentle soul rest in Heavenly Peace. Pius X, Pray for her.”

Northern Ireland Education Minister Paul Givan also commented on Thursday (6th March) following the young girl’s tragic death. He said:

“I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news that a 12-year-old pupil from St Pius X College, Magherafelt has sadly died following a collision outside Castledawson yesterday. As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident. I have spoken to the Principal at St Pius X College and assured him of my support. The Education Authority’s Critical Incident Team is in contact with the school and will provide support to the pupils and staff.“

McCusker Bros Funeral Directors published notice of Caitlin-Rose’s passing. The notice states:

“McMullan (Broagh) 6th March 2025.

“Caitlin Rose R.I.P. 67 Broagh Road, Castledawson, beloved daughter of Colm and Stella and dear sister of Shéa, granddaughter of Mehall & Kate and Rosemary & Clement.

“Funeral arrangements later.

“Forever loved by her dad, mum, brother, grandparents and all the McMullan and McGinn families and their extended family circle and friends. Family time from 10.00pm to 11.00am

“Angel of God, my guardian dear,

To whom God's love commits me here,

Ever this day, be at my side,

To light and guard, Rule and guide

“The wake for Caitlin has not yet commenced.”

Following the tragic incident police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with footage to come forward.

Inspector Adair said:

“There was a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene. I would ask anyone with footage not to share it on social media, but instead forward it to police through the Major Incident Public Portal.

“This footage will be of great assistance to officers investigating the collision.

“Anyone with any information, dash-cam footage or images taken at the scene can also call on 101, quoting reference number 1038 05/03/25.”