Large crowds gathered in Derry this afternoon for the funeral of the second teenager killed in the fatal collision in St Johnston.
The broken-hearted community heard how Daniel Cullen’s magnetic charisma, irresistible charm and kind heartedness left an impact on everyone he met.
Daniel and Caoimhin Porter-McLoone, who were both 18, died when the car they were travelling in collided with a lorry in the Donegal border village on Tuesday night.
A third teenager, also aged 18 and who was driving the car, remains in hospital. All three teenagers were from the Shantallow area of Derry.
Caoimhin’s Requiem Mass took place yesterday morning at St Brigid’s Church in Derry.
The packed pews at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Derry this afternoon heard how Daniel was a twin brother to John Paul and the pair shared a special bond.
However their granny Helen, when asked if they were identical twins laughed and said they were like chalk and cheese.
“She said, ‘John Paul is the quieter of the two’ then she stopped herself and added, ‘well it’s not that he’s quiet – it’s just that Daniel did the talking for both of them’,” said Fr Declan McGeehan.
“That in many ways sums up Daniel’s personality. He was outgoing, extraverted, full of life. From he was no age at all he was a sociable, gregarious and a popular young fella, who loved being in the company of others.”
“Daniel would talk to everybody and anybody, and he had a magnetic charisma, a real wit and a charm that people found irresistible.”
Mr McGeehan spoke of their home being packed with friends in recent days and the large congregation gathered in the church. He said this was a testament to how well loved he was amongst his family, friends and the wider community.
Those gathered heard how while he was never any trouble in school, it was clear he had no interest in school work. Yet, he never missed a day because he loved the social side.
“Being surrounded by his friends, charming the girls and enjoying the banter.”
Daniel loved learning how things worked and had ambitions to become a mechanic.
But he also loved his style and “always looking dapper”.
“He could never save for anything because as soon as he gathered a few pounds he would be up the town into JD Sport to buy another tracksuit, hat or trainers – sometimes at eye watering prices,” said Fr McGeehan.
At home, Daniel was adored by all his siblings, a favourite of all his little cousins and remembered as the life and soul of any family gathering,
Daniel was also remembered for being dependable, reliable and consistently there for his family and friends.
Following the Mass, Daniel was laid to rest in Derry’s City Cemetery.
