Mother of teenage boy pays emotional tribute at his funeral: “You were charismatic, loving and loyal to the core, and so, so funny”

The mother of 13-year-old James Daniels, who lost his life in a road traffic accident on Friday near Cloonfad, paid a moving tribute to him today at his Funeral Mass in the local church.

James from Swinefield, Cloonfad and 19-year-old Harry Fagan, Lavallyroe, Cloonfad were fatally injured following a road traffic collision involving a tractor and a car at Lavallyroe near the West Roscommon village on Friday evening. Harry's Funeral Mass takes place tomorrow, Wednesday.

Addressing the congregation today at St. Patrick's Church in Cloonfad, James' mother Karen said: “I've asked James for the strength to read this to you all. Chris, Zachary and myself, thank you all for being here today in person and online.

“We are united in grief today, but most importantly, we are here to celebrate James's brief but oh so precious life. We'd like to thank our family, friends, neighbours, the entire Cloonfad community, Ballyhaunis and further afield for the love and kindness showered upon us.

“It's another example of how even in the depths of despair and tragedy, love shines through. This has given us great strength and resilience and we thank you.

“Our James, our beautiful blue-eyed, sweet baby James. You were a whirlwind of uncontrollable exuberance. You were charismatic, loving and loyal to the core, and so, so funny.  One of your friends described your personality this week as magnetic.” 

Sending out an emotional message to James's friends, Cloonfad United, Ballyhaunis Community School, Foróige and elsewhere, she asked everyone to “stay strong and not to dwell too much about how he was taken from us”.

“Some of the stories we've heard in recent days from his classmates and others have brought us great comfort and joy,” she said.

Mourners were told how he loved his younger brother Zachary deeply, and she spoke of Dermot Fagan, James's best friend, who was seriously injured in the accident and is in hospital. 

“We loved you as if you were our own Dermot. And we want you home. So please get better soon. I will always be here for you.” 

During her address, James' mother thanked the Fagan family for the love and kindness they gave to James over the years. “Your home was a second home to him and we know you loved him like a son. He loved you all so much.

“We're so sorry for the loss of your beautiful young man, Harry, taken in his prime. Our precious boys were taken too soon. God bless them both,” she said.

During the Funeral Mass, mementoes of James’ life were brought to the altar including a football, a Cloonfad United jersey and a soccer medal. The congregation heard that James was so proud of the goals he scored in Cloonfad’s recent victory in an U-14 Shield Final.

Chief celebrant Fr Mark Quinn said it was “impossible to find any words to express the pain, the loss, and the confusion” felt by James’ family and loved ones. He said the community’s prayers and thought remain with them and the Fagan family.

Fr Quinn urged James’ classmates and friends to remember all the good times they had together and to reach out and talk following their loss.

“Losing a friend, a classmate, a teammate the same age as yourself can be incredibly difficult. It’s hard to understand and it’s okay to feel sad, confused or even angry. Those feelings are there because you loved James, you loved him very much. 

"He brought joy to your lives, his spirit, his laughrer, and his kindness are what you will miss. The best way to honour him is not only by remembering the good times you had together, but by imitating his great qualities. By being a great friend to one another and by looking out for one another,” said Fr Quinn.

Funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Church, Cloonfad was  followed by cremation in Shannon Crematorium.

James is predeceased by his beloved Grandad Paddy, and is the cherished son of Karen and Chris, and much-loved brother of Zachary. 

James will be sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, brother, grandparents Peggy, Paul and Melanie, aunts, uncles, cousins Oliver, Lily, Saoirse, Róisin, Laura, Emily, Daniel, Michael and Patrick, and his many friends.

Harry Fagan reposes at his home this evening, Tuesday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.. 

Funeral Mass at 12 noon will take place at St. Patrick's Church, Cloonfad, tomorrow, Wednesday, followed by burial afterwards in the local cemetery.

Harry will be sadly missed 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.