Community heartache as ‘kind’ teen, 17, dies after ‘brave’ cancer battle and locals rally to support devastated family

A “KIND” teenager who “bravely battled” against an aggressive cancer for over a year sadly passed away in Co Galway this week.

Damian Marecki, 17, of Garrai Beag, Ballybane, Co Galway died “peacefully” surrounded by his heartbroken family on Tuesday evening.

The 17-year-old, whose family is originally from Poland, was due to receive the results of his Leaving Certificate exams later this month.

Damian is “deeply mourned and will always be fondly remembered by his mother Monika, father Daniel, and Monika’s partner Rafal, Damian’s siblings Julian, Mikolaj and Maja, step-siblings Mateusz, Tomek, Marcel and Paula.

A death notice added: “Deeply missed also by his grandmothers Ludwika and Krystyna, grandfather Andrzej, Godmother Aneta, Godfather Albert, aunties Iza and Barbara, uncles Kordian and Artur, cousins Hannah, Adrian, Nathan, Kajetan, Antoni, Larissa, Eryk, Klaudia, Olek and Kacper, many relatives in Poland, lovely friends, and all the community of Merlin College School.”

Damian is reposing at the Church of the Holy Family Funeral Parlour, Mervue on Saturday from 12.15pm to 1.15pm.

A funeral mass will be held for the young lad at the Parish of the Good Shepherd Church on Saturday at 2pm, followed by private cremation.

The local community has now rallied to support his family with the costs of his funeral expenses.

Funds raised as part of a GoFundMe campaign will help cover the costs of Damian’s funeral, burial and other expenses associated with saying goodbye to him.

Launching the fundraiser on behalf of Damian’s family, Kamila Jagiello said: “It is with immense sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that 17-year-old Damian Marecki passed away after more than a year of bravely battling cancer.

“For the past year, Damian fought this devastating illness with incredible courage.

“Sadly, despite his strength, hope and determination, the cancer was stronger.

“Today, his family, friends and everyone who loved him are facing the unimaginable pain of losing him.

“During this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out to our entire local community — Polish, Irish and everyone else who would like to support Damian’s family.

“We ask you to come together and help Monika, Daniel and their family through this unimaginable time, easing at least some of the financial burden they are now facing.”

The fundraiser has already raised over €9,059 with a target of €11,000.

Damian had just completed his Leaving Cert exams two months ago at Merlin College, with the school saying “he will be forever missed.”

A spokesperson for the school added: “We learned this week of the death of our student Damian Marecki, a 6th year student, after bravely fighting a long illness.

“Damian just completed his Leaving Certificate. Our school wishes to offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

“He will be forever missed and may his gentle soul rest in peace.”

A steady stream of tributes remembering the “kind and generous boy” have poured in since his passing.

One mourner said: “So sorry to hear this very sad news. He was such a lovely guy who always said hello on the school corridor.

“He will be sadly missed in the community and by his family, friends and school colleagues from Merlin College.”

Someone else added: “He was such a kind and generous boy, never seen him without a huge smile on his face no matter what.

“Its so unbelievably heartbreaking he was taken from us so soon. Rest in peace Damian, you’ll be dearly missed by everyone.”

A third wrote: “My deepest sympathy to all Damian’s family and friends, he was always such a lovely young man at school. May he Rest In Peace.”