The funerals of four young men killed in a tragic accident in Co Donegal have heard how the friends were taken in the prime of life.
They lost their lives when the car they were travelling in left the road outside Gortahork on Sunday night.
"He had a good soul, who would help anyone in any way that he could" - That is Fr Brian Ferry described Micháel Roarty, as he reflected on the life of a young man that has been taken too soon.
The funeral of Micheal Roarty at the Sacred Heart Church in Dunlewey, Co Donegal | Image: Michael McHugh/PA Wire/PA Images
Hundreds of mourners stood outside the already packed Church in Dunlewey in sub-zero temperatures this morning to pay their respects to the 24-year-old.
A football was brought up during the offertory procession to represent his love and dedication to his local GAA club.
A Guard of Honour made up of the local GAA and soccer club formed outside Christ the King Church in Gortahork where final goodbyes are being said to Shaun Harkin.
The 22 year old died alongside three friends in a tragic crash in Donegal on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/XeWM1c95Py
— Kacey O'Riordan (@KaceyORiordan) January 31, 2019
Earlier in Gortahork, 22-year-old Shaun Harkin was laid to rest.
A pliers to represent his work as an apprentice electrician was placed on the altar.
Fr Sean Gallagher paid tribute to the support of the local community.
"From break of dawn until the sun sets low, we say farewell to our many young men of 20," he said.
"Our fine four young men, snatched from us in the prime of life; in the bloom of their youth."
"We are all swamped by sorrow and grief, engulfed at the same time by tremendous love and support which has been so evident for the past week".
A mobile phone and a pliers, representing Shaun’s time as an apprentice electrician were brought up during the offertory procession at Christ the King Church, Gortahork. pic.twitter.com/OJuRkDT4XS
— Kacey O'Riordan (@KaceyORiordan) January 31, 2019
The funeral of 24-year-old John Harley has also taken place in his native Falcarragh.
Friends have returned from as far away as Australia and Canada for his funeral mass.
He has been described as a promising young man with a great future, while a GAA jersey and Player of the Year trophy have been placed on the altar.
The funeral of John Harley at St Finian's Church in Falcarragh, Co Donegal | Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images
Fr James Gillespie spoke of going to John's family home just hours after the news broke.
"I arrived to a house in tears and shock and disbelief.
"Numb with what has just unfolded for them - the silence in that kitchen was deep.
"Very little was being said, and what could be said: no one had words".
While 23-year-old Daniel Scott has also been laid to rest, following his funeral mass.
“Not just the local community... but the whole nation has been shook” - Fr. Sean Gallagher speaking about the impact of the deaths of 4 young men in Donegal.
Final goodbyes are being said to 23 year old Daniel Scott. pic.twitter.com/7N1tywoKgZ
— Kacey O'Riordan (@KaceyORiordan) January 31, 2019
The funerals were predominately in Irish, with many of the families being fluent Gaeilgeoirs.
Guards of honour made up of the various clubs, teams and schools the young men were involved in lined the streets.
Reporting from Kacey O'Riordan and Jack Quann
