By Róise Collins

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

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

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

His body was removed to Letterkenny University Hospital where a post-mortem examination was due to take place.

An investigation has also been launched by the Health and Safety Authority, gardaí confirmed.

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

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

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

“A veil of inconsolable sadness and heart-breaking grief descended on Dungloe area and right across West Donegal,” Deputy Gallagher said.

“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.”

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”.

“I humbly ask that in the days ahead that our prayers and all our moral support are guided towards helping the family of the deceased at this devastating time,” added Deputy Gallagher.

He also paid tribute to all the emergency services, local fire services, HSE, Gardaí and Fr Pat Ward, Parish Priest in Burtonport who were present on Friday evening.

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

He will repose at McGlynn’s funeral home, Dungloe today, Monday, from 3pm – 6pm.

Removal is strictly private to the family home, and the house will remain strictly private at all times.

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.

Meanwhile, the town of Buncrana is also in mourning following the death of a man in his 60s in a workplace accident on Thursday.

The Health and Safety Authority is aware of the fatal incident and an investigation has been launched.