Galway teenager John Keenan Sammon has been remembered as a passionate boxer, who was full of life and had a wonderful sense of humour.
He died alongside his friends, 19-year-old Christopher Stokes and 17-year-old Wojcieck Penek, when their car entered the River Corrib in Co Galway last weekend.
Friends carry the coffin of 16-year-old John Keenan Sammon into his funeral in County Galway this morning. pic.twitter.com/igIknsYEqy
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) February 15, 2023
Mourners heard a number of stories about John, who was described as a gentle giant.
Father Kevin Blade recalled how he was loved at home and at his local boxing club.
“He was the biggest messer in the club – making everyone laugh,” he said.
“He was a good son who lived a simple lifestyle and was happy with what he had.
“He had a good appetite; he loved his food – he would run down the stairs in the morning looking for taco sauce and chicken nuggets.
John had recently won the Connacht Boxing Championship and his coach Michael Mongan describes one of the last conversations they had.
“John turns to me and says, ‘Mike, you’re a legend’ and I said no, ‘John you’re the legend’ and I think we’re all in agreement on that,” he said.
“Rest in peace boys, God rest you.”
Investigations are continuing into the deaths of John, Christopher Stokes and Wojcieck Penek and garda are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Christopher's funeral will take place at the same church tomorrow before he is buried in the same cemetery.
Wojcieck will be laid to rest on Friday in Kilkenny.
Gardaí are continuing to investigate their deaths and are asking anyone who was near Menlo and Pier Headford Road between 1.40am and 2.40am last Saturday to contact them.
