HEARTBROKEN family and friends are to gather today for the funeral of a young man who tragically died at the weekend.
Aaron Friel, from the Buncrana area, was only 21 when he was pronounced dead at the scene of a road traffic collision last Saturday night.
His parents Breda and Emmet will be comforted today by Aaron’s brothers Shane, Oisín, Darragh and Ruairí for Requiem Mass at 11am in St Mary’s Church, Cockhill.
Work colleagues, school teachers who taught him, members of his local golf club, family friends, and local politicians all took time to share their condolences.
Aaron Friel.
Aaron and his family are members of Buncrana Golf Club, which “expressed sincerest and heartfelt condolences”.
A club spokesperson said: “The committee of Buncrana Golf Club would like to offer our sincerest and heartfelt condolences to Emmett and Breda Friel and family, as well as all the Friel and Quirke families, on the tragic loss of their beloved son Aaron.
“Aaron was a member here at the club along with his father Emmett and brother Oisin and there was a deep numbness and despair in the air at the club.
“We have no words and are all truly heartbroken for the family. All our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time. May Aaron rest in eternal peace.”
WORK COLLEAGUES
Aaron’s workplace, Donaghy Safety Training in Newtowncunningham, described Aaron has a “valued member of the team”.
It added: “He was a genuinely kind and good-natured young man, who was always willing to help wherever he was needed.
“At only 21 years of age, Aaron had his whole life ahead of him. His loss has left everyone here shocked and deeply saddened.”
Teachers at his former Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana expressed “profound sadness” and issued a statement.
They said: “Aaron attended Scoil Mhuire from 2017 to 2023. During his years with us, he was a much-loved student who will be remembered with great fondness and affection by staff and fellow students.
“Our hearts go out to Aaron’s parents, his brothers, the extended Quirke and Friel families and all who knew and loved him. At this time of unimaginable loss, we hold them close in our thoughts and prayers.
“We are especially thinking of Aaron’s brothers, Shane and Oisín who are valued members of our school community. We extend our deepest sympathy to them and assure them of our support and prayers in the days, weeks and months ahead.
“As a Mercy school, we are united in prayer and compassion as we mourn Aaron’s passing. We pray that Aaron’s family may find strength, comfort and hope in the love and support of those around them.”
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Family and friends also left several emotional tributes online in the days before today’s funeral.
One said: “This is awful news. Poor Aaron, a lovely fella who came through so much in his younger years. We are heartbroken for you all. God comfort Breda, Emmet, the boys and Aaron’s grandparents, family and friends at this devastating time. Rest in heavenly peace, Aaron.”
Another wrote: “Condolences to Breda, Emmett and Aaron’s siblings and extended family members and friends.”
One more said: “Heartbroken to hear this terrible news. Condolences to Breda, Emmet and his beautiful wee brothers, his friends and the whole family.
“May you get the strength to get through these terrible days. Rest in peace dear Aaron.”
A family friend said: “Such a beautiful young man, inside and out. Rest in peace Aaron, deepest condolences to Emmet, Brenda, his brothers and all his family and friends.”
Another said: “Heartbreaking news. A genuinely good-hearted fella and a great friend to our family, always welcome at our door and his cheeky smile. Will be greatly missed by all his friends. Rest in peace Aaron.”
Local Cllr Jack Murray said: “Our community is shaken to its core. At a time like, it is difficult to find the words. A young man – popular, loved, and known by so many – has been taken too soon.
“May his family and friends find the strength to face the difficult days ahead. I know that everyone in Inishowen will rally around them and offer every support we can. They are all in our thoughts.”
Meanwhile, gardai reissued an appeal about the road traffic fatality and said: “Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a fatal road traffic collision at Kinnego Cross, Ballymagan, Co Donegal on Saturday, July 4.
“The collision involved two cars and occurred shortly before 9.10pm.
“An adult male driver (aged in his 20s) was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
He added: “Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward. Road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling near Kinnego Cross, Ballymagan, Co Donegal between 8.30pm and 9.15pm on Saturday are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí. Anyone with information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 0749320540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”