'A big smile that would melt your heart': First victim of Galway pier tragedy laid to rest

The coffin of John Keenan is carried out of the Church of the Resurrection, Ballinfoyle in Galway following his funeral. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

John Keenan Sammon has been remembered as a passionate boxer who was full of life and had a wonderful sense of humour.

The 16-year-old died when the car he and his friends - Christopher Stokes, 19, and Wojcieck Penek, 17 - were travelling in entered the River Corrib in Galway last weekend.

As mourners gathered for the funeral of Mr Keenan on Wednesday, the Olympic Boxing Club formed a guard of honour outside the church for the former Galway County Champion.

His coffin was transported in a carriage pulled by four horses, with his picture displayed.

Mourners heard a number of stories about John who was described as a gentle giant.

Addressing mourners, Father Kevin Blade said the sad news of Mr Keenan’s death had caused devastation, and he expressed his sympathies to the Stokes and Panek families.

“There are occasions in life when no words seem fitting, when we enter total sadness and desolation, when we are almost numbed speechless,” he said.

“And since Saturday, that’s exactly what everyone in Galway and right across the country have felt.” 

The horse-drawn carriage carrying the coffin of John Keenan arrives for his funeral. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

He said the church had witnessed many sad, tragic funerals over the years, adding: “But few can have been as profoundly sad and sorrowful as the funerals of two young parishioners and the tragic death of three young people.” 

Father Blade went on to describe Mr Keenan as having had a remarkable impact on others during his short life.

“We all knew John was a unique and extraordinary young lad, full of life and vitality,” he said.

Gentle in his relationships with others, gifted with a good sense of humour, always sensitive and attentive to the needs of others.

“John was a young lad who touched the lives and hearts of many people in so many different ways.

“Pious words and platitudes ring hollow on occasions like this.

“John’s death touches the whole community and there is a special love and feeling for John’s family and friends.”

Biddy Donovan, who spoke on behalf of John’s mother Elizabeth, spoke of how he cared for his siblings.

"Julianne remembers how John looked at her as a young sister even though she was older than her brother. He was very protective and was always looking out for her," said Ms Donovan.

A person carries a floral tribute to John ahead of his funeral mass. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Fr Kevin Blade recalled how John would visit the parochial house as a young child saying: "He would often come to the front door with his brother or his sister.

"He would ring the doorbell and you would open the door. He would have a big smile that would melt your heart.

"Then his hand would go up because he wanted a sweet."

John had recently won the Connacht Boxing Championship and his coach Michael Mongan from Olympian Boxing Club describes one of the last conversations they had.

"John turned to me and he said 'Mike, you're a legend' and I said 'No John, you're the legend' and I think we are all in agreement on that."

Mr Mongan said that John treated everyone like family and loved his family and friends dearly.

"This is purely evident in the photos and videos that have been shared the past few days. It is also evident how John was loved and is missed by his own here today.

To John, we are all his family and cousins whether we are related or not. 

"He could not walk past anyone without stopping for a conversation."

Christy Stokes will be laid to rest tomorrow. His funeral will be held at the same church at midday.

A funeral notice of the third crash victim Wojciech Panek of Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny, stated that internment of his ashes will take place on Friday at 2pm in Calvary Cemetery, Graiguenamanagh in Kilkenny.

Meanwhile, gardaí have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the boys driving around in a blue Peugeot prior to the accident to contact them.

The car had the registration 08-D-128940. Gardaí would like to speak to members of the public who were in the vicinity of Menlo and Pier Headford Road between 1.40am and 2.40am last Saturday to contact them.

The car in which they were travelling went into the water at around 2.40am on Saturday.

Gardaí are due to interview the occupants of the car who raised the alarm after the Peugeot entered the water.

The car in which the three boys were travelling went into the water at around 2.40am on Saturday.

It is understood that gardaí courageously risked their own lives in an effort to save the teenagers.

Tragically, although the car entered a relatively shallow area the men were trapped in the vehicle. Gardaí and the emergency services rushed to the scene.

Mr Keenan Sammon and Mr Panek had passed away but Mr Stokes was still alive but died later that day in University Hospital Galway.

The scene of the crash at Menlo Pier was preserved for a technical examination.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has information that can assist with this investigation to contact Galway Garda station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Additional reporting by Press Association