Blue jerseys covered the coffin of young Navan soccer player Paul Quin as it left St Oliver Plunkett's Church, Navan, yesterday for Glasnevin Crematorium, Dublin.
The jerseys were of Navan Cosmos, with whom the 22-year-old architect of Abbey Grove, Navan, was playing in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday night last when he was involved in a fatal collision with a player from the opposing team, Skryne/Tara.
The other jerseys were those of Navan's 0'Mahony's Gaelic Club, with whom Paul had achieved honours at under-16 level and Parkvilla Utd, his other former club.
Paul had qualified as an architect and only recently started work at the firm of Paul Carroll in Navan.
The large turn-out for his funeral Mass reflected Paul's great involvement with football in Navan. Many young people from his clubs and his friends joined his parents, Pat and Teresa Quin, and his 24-year-old brother, Stephen, his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins at the church.
Navan parish administrator Fr Gerry McCormack told the congregation they had gathered with "heavy hearts and heads downcast in utter disbelief", feeling crushed and robbed by Paul's death.
He described Paul as a "very carefree spirit" who had "wonderful people skills" thanks to the gentle nurturing of his parents and family. He said he had been an excellent left full-back and team player.
His brother, Stephen, had also been playing for Navan Cosmos last week when the accident occurred.
He paid tribute to the support given to the family by his friends and team-mates and their neighbours in Navan.
The offertory gifts were brought to the altar by friends and young relatives. The gifts included Paul's football boots, Manchester United jersey and some of his medals.