St Mary's Cathedral, Killarney, Co Kerry, was full to overflowing yesterday morning for the funeral Mass for teenage friends and young sports stars, Martin Beckett (18) and Sean O'Connor (18), both of Woodlawn, Killarney.
The youths were killed in a head-on collision on the outskirts of Toomevara in Co Tipperary on Sunday morning while returning from a holiday in Ibiza. The accident also claimed the life of the driver of the other car involved, a Co Kilkenny man, Mr Gerard Phelan (28), of Eirk, Crosspatrick.
Martin Beckett was a member of this year's All Ireland winning Under 21 Kerry football team and had just begun training with the Kerry senior team. Mr O'Connor played for Legion GAA club.
Father Michael Fleming, administrator of St Mary's Cathedral, told the large crowd that their presence yesterday morning and at the removals the night before told the story of the sadness and shock felt in the town at the sudden deaths of the two young men.
In his homily Father Simon Twomey said both were taken before their time, had loved life a great deal, and been examples to the rest of us. He said he had talked with Martin's father, also named Martin, who said his son had lived a full life and attained goals which he had set himself. Mr Pat O'Connor had talked of the great friend he had in his son, Sean. He said that Sean had talked about the future, about becoming an engineer and working side by side with his father, a building contractor.
Father Twomey also read from a letter written to the late Martin and Sean by their friends. "Thank you for the memories, it was a privilege to have known you and enjoyed your friendship. Your smiling faces, enthusiasm and cheerfulness brought many hours of happiness. Both of you played together - how appropriate that you are still team mates in heaven. Do us a favour, lads, and hold a place for the rest of us."
Prayers for the faithful included prayers for the family of the late Gerard Phelan. . A Kerry jersey and a Killarney Athletic soccer club jersey were among the gifts presented at the offertory procession. Final prayers were led by the Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy.
Guards of honour were provided by Dr Crokes and Legion GAA clubs, members of the under 21 Kerry football panel, Killarney Athletic soccer club and students from St Brendan's College. The coffins were draped in the club colours of the two teenagers. Both were then laid to rest in adjoining family plots in Aghadoe cemetery on the outskirts of the town.