Carlow teenager laid to rest following M9 crash

THE FUNERAL mass of 16-year-old Alex McCarthy from Carlow town took place in Holy Family Church, Askea, this afternoon.

Alex died in the fatal car crash on the M9 last Sunday, in which four other teenagers were killed and four family members were hospitalised with serious injuries.

A large crowd of mourners attended the funeral, with many wearing white t-shirts displaying a photo of Alex, while there was also a considerable garda presence.

His coffin arrived at the church on a white horse-drawn carriage before it was carried inside by his family and close friends, who raised it into the air in tribute several times.

In his homily, Parish Priest of Askea Fr Tom Little referenced the tragic circumstances that had gathered mourners to the church, adding that he was “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.” 

Fr Little told the funeral mass that 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 hearts, so today is a day for compassion, prayer and remembrance,” Fr Little said.

Fr Little remembered those who died in the accident and said that “each life is God’s great gift to each one of us, to be treasured and respected.” He also told mourners to keep the four family members who were seriously injured in the accident in their thoughts and prayers as they face a long and difficult recovery.

“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,” he added.

Alex’s grandmother, Tina Roycroft, said the prayers of the faithful, which included prayers for those who died and were injured in the crash, as well as all the families affected. 

Fr Little extended his sympathies to his other grandparents, William and Mary McCarthy, and the rest of Alex’s family, including his mother Lucelle, father Edward, brothers Jordan and Edward, and sisters Donna and Nakita.

The funeral heard of Alex’s love for the outdoors, in particular his love of horses and ponies. Outside the church, a large screen displayed images from Alex’s life, including him riding his horses and with his dogs.

Following the mass, several horses and sulkies led the procession from the church grounds to St Mary’s Graveyard.

Emergency services who attended the accident and first responders were thanked in the prayers of the faithful, as were the doctors and nurses who are caring for the women and the child injured in the crash. They are Niamh and Alma Kinsella, their sister Ella Hendricken, and their seven-year-old nephew, Yemi.

Earlier this morning, the funeral of Alex’s cousin, Joey Carthy (15), the youngest of the five deceased, took place at St Michael the Archangel Church in Athy.

The funeral cortege, led by his parents, siblings and close relatives wearing white t-shirts depicting an image of Joey, travelled from Rigney’s Funeral Home to the church, passing through Athy town centre.

Led to the church in a traditional white horse-drawn carriage, Joey’s gold coffin was carried into the church past a series of framed photographs and displays with boxing gloves, owing to Joey’s time spent with St Michael’s Boxing Club in the town.

There was a considerable Garda presence across Athy, with Gardaí manning checkpoints on different roads in the area, while officers also stood outside the church.

Fr Francis McCarthy told the funeral, “We gather with sorrow in our hearts,” and offered his “sincere sympathy to Joe’s family.” A prayer vigil for Niamh, Alma, Ella and Yemi is taking place this evening at 6.30pm in St Clare’s Church Graiguecullen.