A TEENAGE boy who died after falling from a height while on holiday with his parents in Kerry loved the outdoors and was talented and kind, his funeral mass heard today.
Darragh Byrne, from Charleville, Co Cork died when he fell at a lake close to Daingean Uí Chúis in the west Kerry Gaeltacht of Corca Dhuibhne near the Conor Pass on Tuesday afternoon.
Today, his devastated parents, James and Siobhan, led the mourners for their beloved son, who was an only child, in a low-key ceremony that was even more poignant and heartbreaking without music.
There was a sense of numbed shock in the packed parish Holy Cross Church in Charleville, with many of his teenage friends, some of them in their Christian Brothers school uniforms, wiping tears from their eyes.
Parish Priest Fr Pat Corkery said: ” Darragh made very good use of his short time on this earth.
“Ever since a very young age, Darragh had a great interest in computers and technology.
“Many an old laptop he patched up. He enjoyed many outdoor pursuits including swimming, cycling and hiking.
“Darragh had a great love for music of many genres. He took up drums at a very early age and had recently begun to teach himself guitar.
“He was a keen reader who loved history and the classics.
“He was a strong believer in wrongs and rights and was deeply concerned about current world affairs.
“He had a deep desire for peace.”
CLOSE FRIEND
Fr Corkery said Darragh’s classmates had gathered at CBS Charleville earlier this week to remember their close friend.
His friends were asked to write down memories that they had of Darragh.
Fr Corkery read out a sample of the notes written about the teenager.
One classmate said that Darragh “liked to get his point of view across” whilst also being “fun in class”.
Another boy said that Darragh “liked the craic and the joke.”
Fr Corkery said loyalty was paramount to Darragh.
He continued: “Darragh always showed great loyalty to his family and friends. Family was very important to Darragh.
“Darragh will be so missed by all who loved him. In many ways Darragh was a typical teenager. But he was also completely unique.
To his parents, Fr Corkery said: “Darragh has gone ahead of you far too soon. But he is waiting for you in eternity.”
EMERGENCY SERVICES THANKED
Fr Corkery said the family asked him to thank doctors, paramedics, gardaí, Dingle and Killarney Mountain Rescue, Shannon Rescue 115, CBS Charleville, family, neighbours and friends for their help since the tragedy struck.
Locals formed long queues to sign the condolence book for Darragh in the church foyer, where his picture was placed next to the condolence book.
A photograph was also on his wicker coffin at the top of the church.
It’s understood Darragh went exploring an area with a waterfall close to Pedlar’s Lake at the beautiful Conor Pass, near Dingle.
When he failed to return, his parents raised the alarm after 3pm, with the emergency services, including 30 members of DingleCoast Guard and the Kerry Mountain Action Team, immediately responding along with the Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter 115, ambulance service and Gardai.
The boy was found close to the bottom of the waterfall and it is believed he may have climbed up to the lake, slipped and plunged to his death.
He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was taken to University Hospital Kerry for a postmortem examination.
In a post on social media management at his school said Darragh was a “dearly loved student”.
They stated “Darragh was a bright and uplifting presence in our school community — a gentle, kind hearted and considerate young person who radiated warmth and positivity.
“Whether in the classroom, walking our corridors, or spending times with his friends, he left a meaningful and lasting impact.
“His generous nature, intelligence and talent inspired all who knew him.
“Darragh will be missed deeply by his friends, his classmates, and all the staff here at CBS Charleville.
“His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, and we will remember him with great affection and sorrow.”
They vowed they would keep Darragh’s family in their thoughts and prayers, stating: “Especially his parents James and Siobhan.
“We cannot imagine the depth of their grief, and as a school community, we will walk beside them with care and support in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
“His memory will forever live on in our hearts and hallways.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
The school opened to allow his classmates to gather and share memories of Darragh.
A book of condolences was also opened onsite. Darragh was known for his love of rock climbing and the outdoors.
He lived on the outskirts of Charleville town, Ballysally.
His body was taken following the Requiem Mass to the Shannon Crematorium for a cremation service.
