Funeral held for Cork teenager who died after falling from a horse

A teenager who drowned after being thrown from a horse “loved life” and displayed a “dedication and commitment” that far exceeded his years, mourners at his funeral mass in Cork heard.

Eric Stanton (15) of Avonmore Park in Mayfield, Cork died last Saturday after his horse entered the Glashaboy River in Glanmire. He was thrown in to the freezing river. The alarm was raised by two friends and locals but he was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital on Saturday night.

The funeral procession at St Joseph’s Church in Mayfield was led by a horse and trap symbolising the Mayfield Community student’s love of animals. The offertory gifts included a wheelbarrow which Eric made at school. His classmates also provided a guard of honour at the mass.

Hundreds attended the service, including representatives of Mayfield Boxing Club where Eric trained. The Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley was also among the congregation.

Eric’s sister Amy said she was “heartbroken” that she would never see her brother again.

“He loved life, especially boxing and horses. He was a very committed boy which was quite unusual. He had a huge commitment to his boxing and he was very dedicated about it. He was an amazing boy and had so much going for him. He was kind, funny and very generous. He was also very loyal to his friends and family. We just cannot imagine life without him.”

Eric is survived by his parents Jimmy and Catherine and his six siblings Emma, Lisa, Mark, James, Amy and Michael.

The teenager loved animals, particularly horses. His Facebook page contained numerous pictures of him with horses. He was buried at St Catherine's cemetery in Kilcully following the funeral mass.