Mother’s heartbreaking words at funeral of Limerick student killed in hit-and-run
Students from St Munchin’s College in Limerick city performed guards of honour as Bryan’s coffin - blue in colour - was shouldered into and out of the church by his mother, Crystal, his father, Brian and other family members
A TEENAGER killed in a hit-and-run on the outskirts of Limerick was laid to rest this Saturday.
Bryan Lowe,17, of Westbury, Corbally, was riding an e-bike when he was knocked down by a vehicle that failed to remain at the scene.
The fatal collision occurred around 11pm, at Cottage Cross, Clonlara on Friday, September 4.
Gardai said they were “following a definite line of enquiry” and they searched a number of residential properties and seized a number of items of an evidential nature.
It is understood gardaí are examining whether Bryan Lowe was deliberately targeted.
Investigating gardaí said they wanted to speak to the driver or occupants of a silver/gold coloured Skoda Octavia, registration 05-C-5982, as part of the hit-and-run probe.
The Skoda was seen driving in the Clonlara and Castleconnell areas on September 4 and 5.
Gardaí released a photograph of the Skoda, which they found partially burned, at Castleconnell, Co Limerick, on September 5.
Fr Richard Davern, chief celebrant at Bryan Lowe’s funeral Mass held at St Nicholas Church, Westbury, said Bryan was more interested in working with his “hands” than exams, but that he was “determined” to complete his Leaving Certificate before embarking on a career in the construction sector.
“We are devastated, traumatised, and feeling utterly lost but not without hope,” said Fr Davern who asked the boy’s family to “trust the authorities and give them the time needed, that they will see to it that the truth and justice around Bryan’s death will be established”.
Students from St Munchin’s College in Limerick city performed guards of honour as Bryan’s coffin - blue in colour - was shouldered into and out of the church by his mother, Crystal, his father, Brian and other family members.
Fr Davern told mourners: “So many parents today are full of fear of the world that their children and indeed their grandchildren are growing up in.
“What is happening in our society, where do we turn, how can some sections of society have lost all connection to God?” Fr Davern asked.
The priest asked the media to “write about the deeper questions that are in every heart and mind of the people in this church today”.
Crystal Lowe addressed the congregation and thanked St Munchin’s College and Bryan's fellow students for “all your support”.
“Bryan was a great boy, and the boys in St Munchin’s have done him so so proud,” said Ms Lowe.
“I can hold up my head high knowing he is a boy I reared,” she said.
“I know it’s also very hard for ye all, if I can ask ye for anything, it is that ye just remember Bryan in the divine mercy, thank you very much and God bless,” Ms Lowe added.
The Lowe family prayed “for the first responders who attended the scene”.
They also prayed “for the gardai who continue to work on Bryan’s case”.
“May God give them strength, wisdom, courage and compassion, in the difficult work they do each day”.
A close relative paid tribute to Bryan and said: “Bryan always put a smile on people’s faces, he adored his family, he valued the people around him and he never lost sight of where he came from.”
“He had a great personality and a lovely smile that could light up a room; and that is what makes this so difficult. Bryan was a young man who should have many more years with his family, to laugh, to work and enjoy himself,” they said.
“He had a gentleness about him, a good heart, and he cared about people, he was a kind and caring young man.
“He was also somebody you could count on, somebody who could have a laugh with you, stand beside you, and somebody who made life a bit brighter.”
Bikers from local motorcycle clubs led the cortege from the church to Doonass Cemetery where Bryan Lowe was laid to rest.