A talented young GAA star who died tragically just days after falling ill has been remembered as a wonderful young man, full of life, laughter, confidence and mischief.
Lewis Kelly, a hugely promising footballer with Malin GAA Club, was only 18 when he died last Monday at Beaumont Hospital.
Lewis, from Culdaff, was due to sit his Leaving Cert exams at Carndonagh Community School next month.
His Requiem Mass took place in St Patrick’s Church, Aughaclay this afternoon.
The pews were filled with his heartbroken family, friends and teammates who proudly wore their club jersey, while framed jerseys with his number three were on display on the altar.
Chairman of Malin GAA, Pat McLaughlin, offered a moving eulogy at the start of the mass on behalf of the club.
He painted a picture of the kind hearted and respected young man Lewis was both on and off the pitch.
Mr McLaughlin spoke of how well respected he was and how well he treated everyone, from his teammates and coaches to referees.
He also spoke about Lewis’ pride when he was asked to captain the minor team last year, and how that sheer pride was reciprocated by his teammates.
“If you look at his friends and his teammates today, you can also see how proud they were of him.
“Lewis Kelly was their leader and captain.”
Mr McLaughlin also spoke of how proud his parents, Michelle and Hugh, were of their son, and how there was very rarely a match at Malin Park where they weren’t there watching and cheering from the side-lines.
A second tribute was offered by Johnny McGuinness from McGuinness’ Bar and Shop in Culdaff. He spoke on behalf of Lewis’ devastated colleagues and friends.
Mr McGuinness spoke of how they watched him grow from a shy young boy into a wonderful young man, “who has the rare ability to speak to people of all ages and make everyone laugh every single day.”
He also spoke about how Lewis never once complained and was always eager to offer a helping hand and have the craic with his colleagues.
Those gathered heard about his love for football, but how he loved a glass bottle of Football Special even more.
Lewis was also remembered for being full of life, laughter, confidence and mischief.
“We like to think that we can teach our young people to develop their skills both socially and in their work, but in this case I believe that Lewis has been teaching us more than we taught him.
“Rest in peace Lewis, and as all of his friends have said, ‘you were the best of us’,” he concluded to a powerful round of applause.
Following the Requiem Mass Lewis was laid to rest in Lagg Graveyard.
Fundraiser
Meanwhile, as Lewis was laid to rest, a fundraiser launched by broken-hearted friends to generate expenses for his parents Hugh and Michelle surpassed €100,000.
The organisers said: “We are raising funds to help with funeral expenses and everyday costs during this difficult time.
“Our hope is to ease some of the financial burden so that the family can focus on caring for each other while grieving the loss of Lewis.”
Lewis Kelly is lovingly remembered by heartbroken by his passing are his parents, Michelle and Hugh, his sister, Zevagh, brothers, Quinn and Regan and his girlfriend, Darcey.
He is the cherished grandson of Breege, Michael (RIP), Mary and Brian (RIP).
Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his aunts, uncles and cousins, wider family circle, friends and neighbours.