There was widespread sadness in Wexford over the weekend with news that teenager Evan Jones had died in Gabriel’s Ward at Wexford General Hospital following a courageous cancer battle.

Mark O’Brien, principal of Good Counsel College, where Evan studied, paid a heart-warming and wholesome tribute to Evan who hailed from Ballycogley.

He described Evan who was a member of the Leaving Cert class of 2026 as a “much-loved and admired” part of the school community who will not only be remembered for his “bravery and resilience but also for the warmth, humour and kindness” that he brought to those around him.

He added that Evan contributed so much to our school life, especially through his love of sport and his determination to embrace every opportunity.

“His presence enriched our community, and he will be greatly missed by all those lucky enough to have known him and called him a friend.”

In the last academic year, the school were delighted to welcome Evan and his family to the college, along with all of his classmates, for the presentation of the inaugural Evan Jones Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award.

“It was a moment of joy and pride to see Evan present this award – dedicated in his name and memory – to its first recipient, Luke Redmond. This award will be presented annually, celebrating loyalty, determination, perseverance, courage, and the joy of sport; values that Evan lived out every day.”

The school recognised that the news would have a deep and profound impact on their students, staff and families.

“Please take time to talk with friends, teachers, colleagues, and family about this loss; it is natural for us to feel sadness, confusion, or uncertainty in the coming days, weeks, and months.”

Mr O’Brien added that their pastoral team and school counsellors are available to provide support to any students, current or former, who may need it and said that Evan’s family, in particular his mum Deirdre, dad Adrian and grandfather Shem are in their thoughts and prayers.

In his death notice Evan’s family said “through everything, Evan remained funny, cheeky, kind, caring and always thinking of others. Evan will be forever loved and unimaginably missed by his family, relatives, many friends and all those whose lives he touched. We are immensely proud to call him our son.”

Evan’s remains will repose at his home on Wednesday September 9 from 4pm until 6pm. A private removal will take place on Thursday September 10, from his residence at 10.30am to St. Martin’s GAA Complex for a Celebration of Life Ceremony at 11am followed by cremation in Mount Jerome Crematorium at 4pm.

A spokesperson for St Martin’s GAA club said they were “deeply saddened” by the passing of “our member and teammate” Evan Jones.

“On and off the pitch, Evan’s courage, determination, and humility transcended his years, showing a spirit that unites our community at this sad time.”

An unforgettable moment in Evan’s inspiring journey occurred in 2023 when his U16 hurling teammates decided to shave their heads, in a powerful show of solidarity with Evan who by that time had started treatment for his brain tumour.

As Evan started that treatment and began to lose his hair, his teammates insisted that they would be losing theirs too and a fundraiser was quickly organised at the clubhouse.

It was entirely down to Evan’s teammates to decide that he wouldn’t be alone in losing his hair as he goes through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The then 15-year-old’s family were blown away by the gesture.

Evan’s family have requested that donations, if desired be made to Quackie Jack, a new charity set up by Evan to help children and young adults better understand the medical language surrounding their care.

Quackie Jack seeks to demystify and simplify the language around cancer diagnosis and treatment for children. Using age-appropriate language and short video clips featuring the character Quackie Jack, the charity will help many young people better understand what an overwhelming and frightening experience it can often be.