Tributes pour in for Ballakermeen teacher

Dave Ball has passed away

Students, parents, and school staff across the Island have been paying tribute to a teacher who has tragically passed away.

Dave Ball taught PE at Ballakermeen for more than two decades.

More than 1000 people have reacted to a heartfelt statement on the school's Facebook page on his passing.

It says 'Dave would constantly strive to energise us, encouraging us to be part of something bigger than our own subject areas.'

Adding 'above all, Dave was a dear friend to many here, and his death has shaken us greatly.'

You can read the full post below or on Ballakermeen's Facebook page.

"We would like to take this moment, as a community, to reflect on the tragic passing of our friend and colleague Mr Dave Ball.

Dave was an integral part of our family for over two decades, and was an inspiration to countless numbers of colleagues and students during this time.

For Dave, teaching wasn't just about what happened in the gym, the sports field or the classroom. Teaching was also about what happened in the corridors, in the canteen and in the staffroom. He would constantly strive to energise us, encouraging us to be part of something bigger than our own subject areas. He expected us to care as much about Ballakermeen as he did.

That said, he was a master of his craft, teaching with passion, precision and patience. Only last week, during his leaving speech, he told us that despite having taught a large number of acclaimed athletes during his career, nothing gave him greater reward than helping someone who wasn't so sporty to succeed in developing their skills.

There will be many current and former students that recognise themselves in this sentiment, and you should know that it was you who drove him to be the best teacher he could possibly be.

Above all, Dave was a dear friend to many here, and his death has shaken us greatly. We offer our sincere condolences and support to his family: Dave was a proud father who loved his children deeply.

Thank you for giving everything you had Dave, we will not forget you.

All our love,
Ballakermeen High School"