Aer Arann owner honours son Jack’s life with touching plane tribute
An aircraft bought by Aer Arann Islands owner Peter McKenna in honour of his son Jack flew over University Hospital Galway, where he was receiving care before his death.
Carrying the registration EI-JCK, the plane is a lasting tribute to Jack, who also worked with the airline.
Jack, from Killeeneenmore in Craughwell and formerly Carnmore West in Oranmore, died in St Joseph’s Ward on Thursday, October 15.
His family remembered a beautiful person who “burned bright, lived a full life, and touched the hearts of so many”.
In the family’s death notice, Jack was described as “a devoted and adored son” of Peter and Keelin and a beloved brother to Cathal and Eoin.
He will be deeply missed by his sisters-in-law Nuria and Megan, extended family, colleagues and friends across Ireland and around the world.
Tributes in his online condolence book recalled a young man whose humour, kindness and adventurous spirit left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Patrick Dolan, former principal of Killeeneen NS, wrote: “Jack was a young man who brought happiness to others simply by being himself”.
He remembered Jack’s mischievous charm and the everyday moments that had become precious memories.
Eleanor Nolan, a teacher at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, recalled “a cheeky grin and a great wit”. She remembered his good manners, the fun he brought to their Camino trip and his talent for photography.
His tutor Eric O’Neill contributed a poem recalling Jack’s enthusiasm, work ethic and determination as his health deteriorated.
Jordi and Sara Grífols Capdevila remembered the moving verse about love and death that Jack shared at Nuria and Eoin’s wedding, a memory that held particular meaning following his passing.
Owen and Paula Fitzgibbon and family also recalled his kindness and generosity while looking after them during a visit to Inis Mór.
Photographs by Joseph Maskrey of Magpeye Photography show the aircraft bought in Jack’s honour at Caernarfon in Wales before its journey to Connemara. The Britten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander had arrived from Germany.
His family thanked the staff of St Joseph’s Ward and the palliative care and oncology teams for the kindness and care shown to Jack.