There were heartbreaking scenes today as the little boy killed in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Donegal last week was brought to his funeral mass on one of his loving dad’s trucks.
Little Ronan Wilson, 9, died following the tragedy in Bundoran on Saturday evening last.
A man in his 20s has been arrested and charged with the incident.
Ronan’s funeral mass at St Mary’s Church in his home village of Kildress in Co Tyrone was celebrated by Father Paddy Hughes.
It was Fr Hughes who baptised Ronan shortly after he was born and celebrated his First Holy Communion just over a year ago.
Among the offertory gifts were a Tyrone GAA jersey, a pair of football boots, a mobile phone, X-Box controller and a toy lorry while family photographs reminded mourners “of happier times together on holiday”
A message printed on the blue lorry which brought the little boy to the funeral said: “My wee Roro. My main man, my hero, my soul. Roro was the best son anyone could ask for. Nine years of pure pleasure.”
The remains of young Ronan Wilson is carried in St Mary’s Church at Dunnamore by family members as it passes a guard of honour by members of the local GAA club. (NW Newspix)
The funeal cortege of young Ronan Wilson is lead by a single horse to St Mary’s Church. (NW Newpixs)
The mural on the back of the truck which brought the remains of young Ronan Wilson to St Mary’s Church, Dunnamore for his requim mass. (NW Newspix)
Fr Hughes told mourners – including Ronan’s heartbroken parents Emma and Dean and siblings Calum and Amy – that it is “hard to accept and comprehend” the sudden loss of life.
He recalled how Ronan was “so proud” to carry a football to the altar celebrating the first school Mass just last Monday.
“I said ‘can you play football?’ and the smile went even bigger,” he said.
“He was the double of his daddy – the carrying of the football summed up so much of his character in life.
“He so loved life, he loved football and he was so proud to get man of the match last year.”
Among the hundreds of mourners were Ronan’s classmates and teachers from St Mary’s Primary School and teammates from Kildress Wolfe Tones.
A Wolfe Tones jersey sat proudly on his little white coffin.
Fr Hughes asked family members to keep Ronan’s memory alive as he admitted the entire parish is “lost for words” in the aftermath of the “terrible loss”.
“When words fail us, just being there speaks volumes, he added.
“That presence of people, young and old, being there to help in any way they can is so evident.
“On behalf of Dean and Emma and all the family, I say thank you for being there for them.”
Following the service Ronan’s remains were taken to the adjoining cemetery where he was laid to rest.
The remains of young Ronan Wilson is carried in St Mary’s Church at Dunnamore by family members as it passes a guard of honour by members of the local GAA club. (NW Newspix)
