Milo Smith, class '16

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All in the Castleknock community were deeply saddened when June 24th, the dreaded cancer that Milo had fought so bravely, took him. A bright light is extinguished way before its time. To his family and many friends, we extend our heartfelt condolences.

The death has occurred of Milo SMITH
Ellesmere Avenue, Dublin 7, Dublin

Date of Death: Friday 24th June 2016

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None of those present on Union day 2016, could have had any idea that Milo had less than four weeks to live. For almost all his class mates that was the last time we saw him, but what a great memory; Milo looking so happy, so healthy and, as ever, modestly, revealing just one of his talents in winning the Gold Medal in English.

His death devastated all in our community, especially those who had taught him, but of course, most of all his class mates.

In our deep sleep, pain, which cannot forget, falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.

Aeschylus

With almost dramatic timing, Milo died at 5pm on Friday the 24th June 2016, just as the last leaving cert papers were completed. The following day almost all of his year gathered in the school to console and be consoled, to support and be supported. There was great shock and much sorrow and many tears. We took much solace from being able to say our final goodbyes to Milo in the College Chapel, surroundings in which we are all so familiar.

Milo’s death made me think of Union Day and led me to re-read my Union day speech and many of the points therein suddenly seemed very prescient. “We have supported each other in the few times when the going got tough”. When writing the speech, I had thought of mentioning Milo’s illness at this point, but I knew he really would have hated that. He would never have looked for sympathy.

But I think sub-consciously he inspired me:

I mentioned the brevity of life. “Live and enjoy every day and never put your life on hold”. This could have been Milo’s motto, he did so much, so well, especially after his illness was diagnosed, despite all the treatments. “Be grateful for all we have in life”. Milo never complained, he was positive, energetic and made the most of all the diverse talents he had. “To care for those friendships”. Milo had so many friends, both inside and outside school, and he treasured each and every one of them.

But I had wished everyone; “the very best of luck over the next four weeks, and much, much more importantly, in the real life that lies beyond”. Tragically, Milo didn’t survive those four weeks, but he had filled his eighteen years of life as much as anyone could.

“So don’t grow old, forgetting who you are”. Milo will never grow old. He will be forever young. Therefore, it is the duty of the rest of us, the class of 2016, not to grow old, forgetting who we are.

For we are, and will always be, Milo’s band of brothers.

CS