Alex McCarthy, 16, was one of five young people who died in the M9 road tragedy in the early hours of Sunday morning
The priest who presided over the funeral mass for a teenager who lost his life in the M9 collision paid his respects to the innocent family harmed in the head-on crash.
During Alex McCarthy’s service at the Holy Family Church in Askea, Carlow, Fr Tom Little remarked that a “tragic accident can happen in seconds”.
He recognised that a collision such as the M9 incident, which claimed five lives and left four injured, evokes a “deep sense of shock, anger, questions, regret and even a sense of disbelief.”
Alex McCarthy was amongst the five young people who perished after their group travelled in a high-powered BMW the wrong way along the busy motorway, striking a family heading to Dublin Airport during the early hours of Sunday morning.
Sisters Niamh and Alma Kinsella, alongside Ella Hendricken and a seven year old boy who were travelling in the other vehicle, suffered catastrophic injuries. All remain hospitalised, reports the Irish Mirror.
During his address earlier today/yesterday, Fr Little paused to offer prayers for the injured family, who were remembered during the prayers of the faithful.
He stated: “We come together in Holy Family Church, Askea, with heavy hearts and a deep sense of sadness.
“Conscious that lives have been lost, others have been injured, and families have been left to carry the grief that is so difficult to put into words.”
He added: “A tragic accident can happen in seconds and the result of it can last a lifetime.
“These types of accidents bring a deep sense of shock, anger, questions, regret, and even a sense of disbelief. Words cannot express the true feelings of our heart, so today is a day for compassion, prayer, and remembrance.”
We remember in our prayers those who have been injured and pray that they may make a good recovery. “Thanking God that they have survived. Thanking God for the emergency services, doctors, nurses and ambulance staff and all who care for the sick.”
His homily went on: “We remember those who have died to this world, knowing that each life is God’s great gift to each one of us, to be treasured and respected. Those who have died were loved by their family and friends.
“Their absence leaves a space that cannot simply be filled. We remember families on both sides of the accident to God in prayer. We are bringing today our human emotions of hurt, loss, confusion, sadness, responsibilities, in prayer to God.”
Recognising the profound effect the collision would have on loved ones, Fr Little urged people not to “carry sorrow alone”. He added: “For us who remain the journey ahead will not be easy. There will be moments of grief and sadness.
“As part of God’s family let us support one another. Let families not feel that they must carry their sorrow alone.”
Alex’s remains, placed in a baby blue casket, arrived at the church shortly after 3pm in a horse-drawn carriage. Those walking behind wore t-shirts bearing Alex’s image alongside the words “The Boss”.
As the casket was brought out, family and friends lifted it high, banging on the sides while cheering.
Several photographs of Alex were displayed outside the church, accompanied by a large screen showing images of the 16 year old. During the service, Alex’s grandmother Tina gave several readings – breaking down in tears at one point.
Following the service, Alex’s casket was carried from the church and once more raised aloft and struck. Sulkies were also present before his remains were transported to St Mary’s Cemetery for burial.
A substantial Garda presence was maintained throughout the proceedings. Numerous officers were stationed at roundabouts and on roads approaching the town.
Armed Gardai were also deployed in the vicinity. The other four teenagers who lost their lives are Joe Carthy, 15, Jack Kennedy, 17, Jeremy O’Brien and 17 year old Kamil Pustkowski.
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