Harry Fagan ‘forever 19’ will be remembered as a ‘bright, fierce and unstoppable force’

‘Harry Fagan Forever 19’ – the poignant words of his brothers who this afternoon in Cloonfad Church remember him as “a “bright, fierce and unstoppable force”.

The popular young man from Lavallyroe, Cloonfad was fatally injured following a road traffic collision involving a tractor and a car at Lavallyroe near the West Roscommon village on Friday evening. The other victim was 13-year-old James Daniels, Swinefield, Cloonfad whose funeral also took place yesterday in the local church.

Harry’s brother Dermot and also a best friend to James was also seriously injured in the collision.

At a packed funeral Mass this afternoon in Cloonfad Church, which saw large crowds gathered outside and over 1,300 attending, online Fr Joe Feeney spoke of the support from the community stating that this was of consolation to the family. He referred to Harry’s “great personality” and said “the world was his oyster” adding that Harry was very much loved by all who knew him.

Items brought to the altar included a family photo reflecting his deep love of family; his car keys representing his passion for buying and selling cars; a copy of Die Hard the movie and a picture of its star John McClane reflecting Harry’s love of action; a hawk and trowel reflecting his love of plastering work; a chain and copper band given to him by his father and which he never took off and finally packets of chocolate digestive biscuits - he would eat four packs a week.

Three of his brothers - Gerard, Daniel and Shane- paid tribute to their sibling in a joint eulogy.

They stated: “Today our hearts are shattered as we are gathered to say goodbye to Harry Fagan. There are no words that can ease the pain we feel in losing him. He was a bright, fierce and an unstoppable wild force. His life ended far too soon. In the time he had he filled every corner of it with love and laughter and with the kind of wild energy that could never be continued.” They also remembered the Daniels family and their loss. “James wasn't just a friend, he was family to us. We loved him like he was one of our own.” Adding how proud they were of their brother they added: “Harry, the fourth son of the Fagan family was always larger than life from the very beginning. There was something special about him. He didn't just exist. He lived. He threw himself into everything he did from farming in his younger days to plastering in most recent times, but it was his love for cars that truly captured his heart. Cars became his passion, his hobby, his joy. There wasn't a car he couldn't sell.” They continued: “But beyond the cars, beyond the hard work, what really defined Harry was his love for his family and his girlfriend, Kate. Harry had great love, many great loves, but none compared to his love for Kate. In the short time they had together, they were so deeply connected, understanding each other's ways that felt almost magical. Kate will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for loving Harry.” 

They also went on to state: “Harry was the daftest, wildest, most stubborn brother. But he was also the most fiercely loved. There wasn't a moment when Harry wasn't making us smile or shaking our heads in disbelief at his antics. His life was a whirlwind of mischief, love and pure joy. And now as we stand here, hearts broken with grief we find ourselves wishing for just one more of those moments. Just one more laugh. One more joke. One more time to see him charging into life without hesitation. But that's the hardest part. Harry's gone. And there's nothing we can do to bring him back.

“As you probably all know, music and singing is a huge part of this family. Dad is well known for singing the Green Fields of France. While I was walking this morning, I sadly realised our Harry is the one who will be forever 19. Harry Fagan forever 19.” The Fagan family also stated that his friends were always welcome to their home to come and talk and to always treasure family and friendship. Knock Counselling Services have also made themselves available to all those effected by this double tragedy.

Harry was predeceased by his beloved grandparents, PJ Moran and Dermot and Bernie Fagan, and his cousin, Laura and is survived by his heartbroken parents, Ger and Trish, brothers Gerard, Shane, Daniel and Dermot; grandparents Kathleen, Tom and Marion, girlfriend Kate, aunts, uncles, cousins and a large circle of friends.

Following his funeral mass he was laid to rest in Cloonfad Cemetery.