Families prepare for funerals of crash teenagers

Three teenagers killed in a New Year’s Eve car crash were waked in their family homes today as separate funerals were planned for tomorrow.

Heartbroken relatives and friends paid tribute to Stuart Donnellan, 14, Padraig Bourke, 16, and Adrian O’Brien, 17, who are reposing with their devastated parents and siblings before being laid to rest.

The youths were killed when a car they were travelling in careered off the road and smashed into a tree in Co Tipperary on Wednesday evening.

Two other occupants – Thomas Clarke, 16, and the only girl in the group, 15-year-old girl Kelsey Tiernan – remain stable in hospital.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash which plunged three parishes in north Tipperary into mourning.

The probe includes a full technical examination of the car and the history of the mangled Opel Corsa, which is believed to have been bought by one of the teenagers in recent weeks for a few hundred euro.

As the close knit communities of Nenagh, Silvermines and Newtown were coming to terms with the loss, final arrangements were being made for the three separate funerals.

Mass will be said for Stuart Donnallen in St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh at 11am tomorrow, followed by a burial at Ballinree graveyard.

Parish priest Father Pat Malone said the youngster’s parents, brothers and sisters were shocked and in disarray.

“This is a tragedy for a number of parishes,” said Fr Malone. “There is a network of communities involved. A significant section of north Tipperary will be mourning for these young people.”

The second funeral, for Adrian O’Brien, will be held at Youghalarra Church at 12. Mass will be followed by burial in Youghalarra Cemetery.

Adrian, who leaves behind his parents Lancelot and Tina and older brothers Shane and Derek, recently left the Vocational School in Nenagh and was working in a saw mill.

Padraig Bourke, of Silvermines, was the baby of nine children. He left behind his heartbroken parents Seamus and Joan and siblings Mark, Enda, James, Damien, Crystal, Siobhan, Charlene and Aine. He will be removed to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Silvermines, for mass at 1.30pm,

followed by burial in Kilmore Cemetery.

Fr Brendan Maloney, of Silvermines Parish, said the loss of life had affected many people around the country and there was a sense of helplessness.

“In a situation like this you’re not in any position to say or give answers, you’re in a position just to be there and support and you feel helpless at times like this,” he continued.

Kelsey, who was Adrian’s girlfriend, and Thomas remain in the Mid-Western General Hospital in Limerick where their conditions are described as stable after surgery.

Both Thomas and Padraig were students in St Joseph’s CBS in Nenagh. Thomas was in fifth year while Padraig was to sit his Leaving Cert this summer.

Vice principal Danny Grace said a special memorial mass will be held when the school reopens after the Christmas break and counselling offered to any pupils affected by the accident.

He said everyone at the CBS was very shocked and saddened that so many young lives were taken at this time of the year.

“Padraig was a Leaving Cert student and he had his whole life to look forward to, especially at the time of this tragic event should happen to him,” said Mr Grace.

“Padraig very personable young man, very nice, very popular with all his fellow students as well. He comes from a very nice family and on behalf of the school and my own behalf I want to sent my sincerest sympathy and condolences to the Bourke family.”