Parents 'full of fear' of society children are growing up in, priest tells funeral

Priest questions lack of respect for life at funeral of hit-and-run victim

The funeral of 17-year old Bryan Lowe, who was knocked down by a car and dragged under the vehicle. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

A priest has told the funeral of a teenager killed in a hit-and-run in Co Clare that parents are “full of fear” of the society children are growing up in.

Fr Richard Davern was addressing mourners attending the funeral of 17-year old Bryan Lowe, who was knocked down by a car and dragged under the vehicle, which did not remain at the scene.

Questioning the apparent lack of respect for life in modern society, Fr Davern said: “So many parents today are full of fear of the world that their children and indeed their grandchildren are growing up in.

"What is happening in our society? Where do we turn? How can some sections of society have lost all connection to God?” Fr Davern asked.

Bryan Lowe was killed in a hit-and-run in Clonlara, Co Clare.

Bryan Lowe was riding an e-bike when he was struck and killed by a vehicle on a rural road at Cottage Cross, Clonlara, in south east Clare, on Friday, September 4.

Gardai said they were “following a definite line of enquiry”, and they are examining whether the boy was deliberately run down.

Bryan was a sixth-year student at St Munchin’s College, Corbally, Limerick, who was “determined” to complete his Leaving Certificate exams in September, Fr Davern said.

'Utterly lost'

The priest said the boy’s family and firends were “devastated, traumatised, and feeling utterly lost”.

He asked the family to “trust the authorities and give them the time needed, that they will see to it that the truth and justice around Bryan’s death will be established”.

Students from St Munchin’s College performed guards of honour outside St Nicholas Church, Westbury, Corbally, as Bryan Lowe’s blue-coloured coffin was shouldered by members of his family, including his mother, Crystal, and his father, Brian.

Crystal Lowe thanked St Munchin’s College and her son’s fellow students for their “support”.

“Bryan was a great boy, and the boys in St Munchins have done him so proud. I can hold up my head high knowing he is a boy I reared,” said Ms Lowe.

Addressing her son’s fellow classmates and friends, Ms Lowe said: “I know it’s also very hard for you all. If I can ask for anything, it is that you just remember Bryan in the divine mercy, thank you very much, and God bless.” 

She said the boy’s family prayed “for the first responders who attended the scene, and for the gardaí who continue to work on Bryan’s case – may God give them strength, wisdom, courage and compassion, in the difficult work they do each day”.

Gardaí said their investigation is “ongoing”.