'A typical teenager but who was completely unique': Priest's touching tribute to boy who died in fall

THE BYRNE and Fehilly families made the sad journey to Holy Cross Church, Charleville on Sunday for the second time in eight months after losing a loved one in tragic circumstances.

Darragh Byrne, aged 16, of Ballysally, Charleville died in a climbing accident in County Kerry. One of his grandmothers, Mary Fehilly (pictured below), aged in her 70s, of Holy Cross Place, Charleville and late of Feenagh, passed away after she was struck by a car that had mounted a kerb in the town last November.

Darragh’s mum, Siobhán, a popular local teacher, has lost her mum and only child, both in devastating circumstances, in less than a year.

Local councillor Ian Doyle said they were both individual tragedies but it is a double tragedy for the families.

“It is absolutely terrible. The Byrnes and the Fehillys are rooted in Charleville, rooted in the community, rooted in everything. They are both hugely respected families. This is affecting everyone in the town,” said Mr Doyle. 

He continued: “One was on a Saturday morning, when a lady was going down to buy a GAA lotto ticket to support her club and she gets killed.

“And on a Tuesday to pack up your car, go off on a break to Kerry and within a couple of hours tragedy strikes again. It is absolutely desperate. Who knows the future?”

Cllr Doyle said Darragh was a fine lad, who had just completed his Junior Cert and had his whole life ahead of him.

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Fr Pat Corkery said the funeral Mass, assisted by Canon Donal O’Mahony and Fr Nicholas Motherway. 

Fr Corkery said Darragh was “a typical teenager but who was completely unique”.

“From a young age he had a great interest in computers, repairing laptops, and he enjoyed outdoor pursuits - swimming, cycling and hiking. He had a love of music of all kinds, he took up the drums at a young age and was teaching himself the guitar. 

“He loved history and the classics. He was a strong believer in wrongs being righted and was interested in current affairs. His school pals said he was good craic in the classroom and was able to get his point across,” said Fr Corkery.  Classmates formed a guard of honour after the funeral Mass. 

Darragh’s heartbroken parents - James and Siobhán - thanked emergency services, local schools and the local community for their support and comforting words.

CBS Charleville opened especially for students to speak about their grief and for people to sign a book of condolence. 

May Darragh rest in peace.