A heavy Garda presence is expected in Athy this morning, as the funeral of Jack Kennedy takes place.
The 17-year-old is the fifth and final teenager to be laid to rest following the M9 crash earlier this month; the group decided to drive the wrong way up the motorway, resulting in a head-on collision with a second car.
Yesterday evening, Jack was reposed at Rigney's Funeral Home in Athy, County Kildare and his funeral mass will take place at St Michael's Parish Church at 11am this evening. A private cremation will follow.
In a post on RIP.ie, the Kennedy family said his death was “deeply regretted” by his “loving Mum, Sarah, sisters, Keeleigh and Sarah Kate, nephew, Boé, family and friends”.
Yesterday, Jeremy O'Brien was buried, while Joe Carthy and Alex McCarthy were laid to rest on Friday; Kamil Pustkowski was cremated on the same day.
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On Newstalk Breakfast, Chief Reporter Barry Whyte said Gardaí have carefully prepared for all five funerals.
“There were checkpoints on the outskirts of Carlow Town yesterday, while members of the public order units and other garter units were deployed ahead of Jeremy O'Brien's funeral,” he explained.
“There were similar operations in Carlow Town and Athy for Friday's funerals, amid concerns of a possible disorder and dangerous driving or displays involving cars.
“Now, following Alex McCarthy's funeral in Carlow Town on Friday afternoon, a number of sulky riders travelled at speed past Gardaí outside the local cemetery, but that has been the only incident of note.
“All of the funerals have otherwise passed off peacefully and without incidents.”
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The three sisters and their nephew who were injured in the second car have suffered serious injuries.
A family friend has described them as facing a “long and challenging road ahead” before they recover.
“During yesterday's funeral mass, Father Tom Little told mourners that what the boys did was wrong,” Mr Whyte said.
“He said Jeremy O'Brien's family was praying for all those who were affected and injured.
“It's understood the three sisters suffered a range of serious injuries, including spinal injuries and broken bones, while the seven-year-old boy suffered a broken leg.
“They all remain in hospital and they face lengthy recoveries.
“However, the level of public support for the family has been extraordinary; a fundraiser established to support them has now raised more than €760,000.”
People wishing to donate to the family’s GoFundMe page can do so here.
Main image: Jack Kennedy. Picture by: RIP.ie
