Evan Jones, a teenager from Ballycogley, County Wexford, passed away peacefully last Friday at Wexford General Hospital after a battle with cancer. Diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly after Christmas 2022 at the age of 15, Evan had been actively involved in local sports and community activities since childhood.

Evan had played hurling and football with his local club, St Martin’s, from the age of five. He was a member of the Under-15 and Under-16 Wexford football development squads and had been invited to trial for the Wexford minor football team in 2023 before his diagnosis interrupted his sporting pursuits.

In response to his illness, the community of Piercestown and St Martin’s club mobilized support through fundraising efforts to assist with the costs associated with Evan’s treatment. Alongside his parents, Deirdre and Adrian, Evan helped establish the charity Quackie Jack, aimed at providing clear and accessible information about cancer diagnoses and treatments for children.

Evan recently completed his Leaving Certificate exams at Good Counsel College in New Ross. The school’s principal, Mark O’Brien, described him as “a much-loved and admired member of our school community.” His parents echoed this sentiment, remembering him as “funny, cheeky, kind, caring, and always thinking of others” despite his health challenges.

A Celebration of Life ceremony was held at St Martin’s club, where hundreds gathered to honor Evan’s memory and support his family.