Carndonagh remained shrouded in a sombre silence today for the funeral of Donegal’s latest road victim, 18-year-old Tiernan Doherty-Kelly.
Tiernan only recently passed his driving test when he took to the road early Sunday morning. He was on his way to collect friends in Buncrana when his car left the road.
The tragedy was almost too much for the community to process, said Carndonagh Parish Priest Fr Con McLaughlin, as he officiated Tiernan’s funeral this afternoon.
“I am lost for words trying to navigate through the tragedy that has happened to young Tiernan Doherty,” Fr McLaughlin told mourners.
“It doesn’t just seem fair that parents would be burying their own children.”
The heartbroken silence, he said, was echoed at Tiernan’s wake house this week, as his friends and parents tried to come to terms with their loss.
“When we are young the world stretches out in front of us, with all its challenges and possibilities,” said Fr McLaughlin.
“Death is in the distant future, when it comes and hits us when we’re young, we can’t process what has happened.”
Mourners at the Sacred Heart Church included Tiernan’s parents, Kevin and Louise, his younger brothers Kyrin, Cohen and Keegan, his heartbroken girlfriend Kaylah and grandparents Sean and Maureen.
“With this family, tragedy and death are no strangers,” Fr McLaughlin said.
Fourteen years ago, Tiernan’s uncle Kenny Kelly lost his life in a single-vehicle crash in Carndonagh. Kenny was 27 years of age.
Fr McLaughlin led a prayer to protect all people and young people on the roads.
“Nobody wants to have to answer the door to the dreaded knock in the early morning.”
Prayers were also said for Tiernan’s friends who he was in contact with on the night he passed, as well as the emergency service workers for their courage and enduring professionalism.
“He had just passed his driving test,” Fr McLaughlin said. “He was on his way over to Buncrana. He had responded to a phone call from his friends, got up out of his bed early in the morning to head across to pick them up in the people carrier.”
Tiernan was remembered as a hard working, outgoing young man who was full of life.
“From a young age he showed a great interest in the construction industry,” Fr McLaughlin said.
“He was a hard-worker, he hoped to be a plasterer he was an apprentice for that trade when the Lord suddenly took him away.”
Tiernan’s achievements on the football field were commemorated through the team trophies and football jersey presented as gifts to the altar.
In his short life, Tiernan made a lasting impact on his local clubs – Carndonagh GAA and Carndonagh FC.
“All our lives are that much better for having known him. His smile, personality, love for life and love for his family and friends, are what we will remember and hold dear,” said a tribute from CLG Charn Domhnaigh.
“In such a brief time, he has left us with so many memories that we will never forget.”
Carndonagh FC shared in the celebration of Tiernan’s life and said: “We as a club are proud and privileged to have been part of his life, watching him grow into a fine young man who coached our younger players, represented our club but most of all lit up every room he walked into. “
Tiernan’s former school community has remembered him by embracing the qualities he exemplified: dedication, kindness, humour, and a passion for life.
“Though his journey was far too short, he left an indelible mark on all of us,” said a tribute.
“Rest in peace, Tiernan. You were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed.”
