Family, community and schoolmates gather to mourn Tara

TARA WHELAN’S school jumper, a family photo and her work shirt from the local Sweep Bar will be among the symbols of her short but eventful life which will be brought to the altar today for the 17-year-old’s funeral Mass.

The gifted musician’s tin whistle, drama book and a single flower, symbolising her close connection with nature, will also be offered up by heartbroken family and friends who will today bid their final farewells.

Thousands of well-wishers have filed into the Whelan home since news of the Leaving Certificate student’s death in a Turkish bomb blast broke last Saturday. This morning, her parents will spend their last few private hours with Tara, before her remains are brought to the parish church for her funeral Mass at noon.