The family of Shane Curtin, the 11-year-old boy from Castlemartyr in east Cork, who was killed last Thursday in a crash caused by a stolen car, yesterday issued a statement as hundreds of mourners joined them to sympathise on their loss.
Among the large crowd at the funeral were Shane's classmates. He had been very much looking forward to returning to school next week, his parents said.
In a statement released through their solicitor, Mr Ken Murray, Mr and Mrs Curtin said they were too upset to talk about the circumstances of the crash in which Shane was fatally injured.
Mr John and Mrs Margaret Curtin said Shane had left them with many memories which would help them cope with his loss.
"He left us with joyful and happy memories which will be of immense comfort to us as we face into life without him," said Mr and Mrs Curtin. Shane died after the driver of a stolen car crashed into the Curtins' car on the Cork-Youghal road as they returned from a trip to Perks Fun Fair in Youghal on Thursday evening.
Mrs Curtin and Shane's sister Aisling (14) and brother Ciaran (7) were also injured in the crash but were later discharged from hospital.
Yesterday Mr and Mrs Curtin and their two children were being comforted by relatives and friends following a funeral Mass attended by hundreds at St Colman's Church in Ballintotis.
Mr and Mrs Curtin said Shane had a "special gift of being able to mix well with all age groups" and particularly with younger children. They spoke of his keen interest in sport. He followed hurling, football and soccer, while he was also interested in fishing and greyhounds and this summer had developed a passion for showjumping. "He was made aware of and made room for the presence of God in his life and never went to bed without having prayed to God," said the couple, adding that "he openly returned the love which he received from us, his parents, his sister and brother".