Hundreds pay respects after tragic road death in Limerick
The friends and family of Paul Doran accompany his coffin to Mt St Oliver cemetery following Mass at St Marys Church, Athlunkard Street, on Monday. Picture: Keith Wiseman
HUNDREDS of people have paid their last respects to Nicholas Street man Paul Doran, whose “tragic and senseless” death has rocked a community.
St Mary’s Church in Athlunkard Street was packed to capacity as mourners paid tribute to the 22-year-old, who was getting ready to start a college course.
Mr Doran died in the early hours of Friday morning when the Chevrolet Kalos car he was driving hit a pole on the Corbally Road.
The single vehicle crash occurred near O’Driscoll’s pub.
Flowers were placed at the spot where the fatal crash occurred.
He was pronounced dead a short time later at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital.
Mourners at his funeral heard of the “short but action-packed life” he had led, with floral tributes coming from friends, family, and Star Rovers soccer club among others.
“You will never be forgotten buddy”, one tribute read, while another floral tribute read simply “Buddy”.
Leading the Mass, Canon Donough O’Malley said the turnout said a huge amount about the popularity of the young man.
“His friends, his former schoolmates, and those who would have known him and loved him in life: the presence of all of you gathered in prayer this morning is a testimony of your friendship and esteem for him.”
At the Mass, his parents Pat and Margaret led the offertory collection, while his brothers Daniel and Keith read the bidding prayers.
Canon O’Malley said: “No father or mother should anticipate having to bury their child before their own departure from this world. In your family today, your world has been turned upside down, because of the sudden and dreadful loss you have sustained.”
The parish priest said Paul was fortunate to have been given the “gift of faith” from his parents.
“He received the gift of Baptism; he knew ultimately where his home would be,” he added.
Mr Doran was laid to rest following the Mass in Mount St Oliver Cemetery.
Mr Doran’s death brings to three the number of people who have died on Limerick’s roads this year.
The tragedy is the first time in almost two years the city area has seen a fatal crash, however.
He us survived by parents Margaret and Pat and brothers Daniel and Keith, as well as niece Aoibheann, nephew Adam, relatives and friends.
Gardai at Henry Street are investigating the tragedy - 061-212400.
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Friday 24 May 2013
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