Tributes to tragic teen who dreamt of joining army

All that Caolán Seoige-Webster wanted out of life was to join the army, have a small house and a little piece of land for two horses.

But the schoolboy would never realise the simple ambition he expressed to his parents some time before he lost his life while swimming in the River Shannon last week.

Fr Liam Murray told mourners at Caolán’s funeral Mass at St Mary’s Church in Athlone that, while he could not now live out his dream in this life, perhaps he could do so in eternal life.

Caolán had celebrated his 15th birthday just days before his tragic death and had also completed his second year at Marist College in Athlone before the summer holidays arrived at the start of this month.

Dozens of classmates and schoolboys from the college formed a guard of honour, alongside their teachers outside the church.

Tearful young girls gathered in small groups, many of them carrying single red roses in memory of their friend.

His friends were also central to his funeral ceremony as they carried gifts to the altar, including a photograph of a large group who had gathered outside Caolán’s house as they arrived in droves to pay their final respects late last week.

Other gifts included a Manchester United football to match the Man United flag which draped his coffin, a CD representing his love of music and a photo of Caolán and his brother Aaron.

Aaron was overcome with emotion as he tried to read the second reading and was helped from the altar by his dad Seán. His mother Bernadette and Caolán’s sisters, Amanda, Roisin and Rachel held onto each other at the front of the church. His baby sister Katie was only born late last year.

In a tribute at the end of Mass, his cousin Richard Seoige told the congregation that it was almost impossible to put into words what the family had gone through over the last few days.

It was “horrific” to think that a little boy had left home and did not come back. He was his mother’s blue-eyed boy, full of life and happiness and loved nothing more than to wind up his father about Liverpool football club.

“He was like a son to me. He was my buddy and nobody will ever fill the void”, he said.

Burial took place afterwards at Coosan Cemetery.