THE funeral of nine-year-old Joey Forker, who tragically passed away in Dungloe on Friday evening, will take place today.

The tragic incident, which involved machinery, happened in Meenmore on the outskirts of the west Donegal town on Friday, August 22.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to the incident at the Dungloe premises. The young boy was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Joey, who was a pupil at Scoil Chróine in the town, was one of three sons to heart-broken parents Audrey and Joe Forker.

The tragic passing of the young boy has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

Local TD and close friend of the Forker family, Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher, who was on the scene on Friday night, said the town was “heartbroken” in the wake of the tragic accident that claimed a “young and energetic life”.

“We wish we could share in the family’s pain, but sadly, this cannot be shared. Still their grief is deeply felt throughout the entire community,” he told the Donegal News.

Deputy Gallagher said the well-known family will have the full support of the community, who will “rally behind them in the difficult days and months ahead”.

Joey’s Funeral Mass is to be held at 12 noon today (Thursday) in St. Crona’s Church, Dungloe, followed by interment in Magheragallon Cemetery, Gaoth Dobhair.

Joey is predeceased by his grandparent Nora Forker and by his grandparents Nana Nora Friel and Papa Paddy Friel.

He is deeply missed by his heartbroken parents, Audrey and Joe, loving brothers, Jason and Jordan, grandparent, Willie, as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and many friends.