'Our bond is something I will never replace': Family pays tribute at funeral of Limerick teen Rory O'Connor

Mourners heard that Rory had "simply gone out to celebrate his birthday" at the Listowel Races.

Friends remembered him through a number of symbols placed near the altar, including a protein shake, ball, a phone containing so many "precious" conversations, his soccer jersey, a school book, and a Limerick jersey.

Mourners heard of Rory's love of hurling and his regular trips to Limerick matches with his father. Whatever the result, it was the "time spent together that mattered most", the congregation was told.

His sister, Becky, paid tribute to Rory, whom she described as a selfless person who was always putting others first. “As long as we were near each other, we felt at ease," she said. 

"Our bond is something I will never replace, and it's something I'll mourn for the rest of my life. Rory came into my life when I was five, and we spent the last 17 years helping each other navigate life, and now I have to navigate life without him."

Becky said she was so proud of the boy he was. “I've never met a boy that cared so much about people's feelings. He cared for my mom every day,” she said.

Their father Pat joined Becky on the altar to comfort her before paying his own tribute to his “best friend”, who was the “absolute centre of my world”.

“I love him beyond measure with every piece of my soul, every piece of my soul,” he said.

“They say a good parent would give their child anything. God knows I would give my own life in a heartbeat just to swap places with Rory to give him back his future."

Mr O’Connor described his son as a young teenager full of life and pure joy, with a “bright smile that could warm the coldest home”.

He added his son was a beautiful stage in his life, eagerly looking forward to what laid ahead.

“Now that bright future has been cruelly taken from him and from us,” he said.

Mr O’Connor thanked the local community for the “unwavering support” of recent days. “We simply couldn't stand on our own two feet. Seeing our neighbours close and friends wrap their arms around us has brought a comfort we will cherish for the rest of our days,” he said.

Following requiem Mass, Rory was laid to rest in Holycross Cemetery, Athea.