The funeral mass for Elliot English, the youngest victim of the arson attack in Co Waterford took place today.

The six-year-old died a month after the attack that killed his parents and two brothers, and the sole survivor (a 14-year-old-girl) remains in a serious but stable condition in Crumlin Hospital.

His coffin was brought into the church to May the Road Rise to Meet You, with his aunt Jackie giving the Eulogy.

Through tears, she told the congregation in the church that she hoped the peace "Ellie Belly" feels now is "as gentle as the love [he] left behind".

She said: "For anyone who knew Elliot, you'll know he was a little boy who left his mark on the people around him.

"He was only six years old, but he gave us memories and moments that we'll carry for the rest of our lives. To us he will always be our little Ellie Belly.

"I'll always remember the time we spent together, especially our little burping games. I don't think I'll ever forget the day he decided to burp straight into my face.

"The way his hearty laugh could fill any dark room is remarkable.

"Our Ellie Belly, you fought so hard, little man. I hope the peace you feel now is as gentle as the love you left behind.

"Kim, Philip, Callum, Jayden and Elliot, I hope that wherever you are the five of you are together again. No fear, no pain, no suffering, just love and laughter and the comfort of having each other.

"May you find the peace that was so cruelly taken from you here. Until we meet again we will carry our little man with us forever, Ellie Belly."

Speaking ahead of the funeral to Newstalk Breakfast was Waterford broadcaster Damien Tiernan, who described the scenes on Thursday at Elliot's removal.

He said: "[Elliot] was a battler. He was born with a heart defect. He had open heart surgery as an infant.

"I was in his house previously and I spoke with him before, and I had known his father, Philip, and Elliot died in hospital in Dublin last week.

"He's going to be buried beside his dad. His mom, Kim, his brothers, Callum, aged 12 and Jayden, aged nine.

"His relations, they want to celebrate his little life and they asked people to wear bright colours last night in honour of his vibrant spirit at what's known as the removal of which mourners did.

"And they're going to do so again in their hundreds today at the Requiem Mass at the Sacred Heart Church in the Folly. Many also wore images of cartoon characters that little Elliot adored so much.

"I was talking to relatives over the last few days. They just said that he was a cheerful, good-natured little boy who adored cartoons."

The Month's Mind Mass for his parents was due to be held next week, but the decision was made to hold it today as well.

Main image: Elliot English funeral in Waterford Pic: Barry Whyte/Newstalk