Mourners at crash victim’s funeral urged to cherish life

MOURNERS attending the funeral of a young Killyclogher man killed in a road collision last week have been urged to cherish life. Fr Declan McGeehan made the plea at the Requiem Mass for 18 year-old Dylan McGahan, from Buchanan Villas.

Classmates and friends of the aspiring microlight pilot – who had been hoping to begin studying history at Ulster University, Coleraine later this year – were in attendance at the funeral in St Mary’s Church, Killyclogher on Thursday afternoon.

“For many of the young people here, this will be your first experience of death,” Fr McGeehan told those in the packed congregation.

“It reminds us of how precious life is and how much it should be cherished. Always remember that we are in the hands of God.”

Prayers were offered for the emergency services who attended the scene of the collision on the Barony Road on the main A505 between Omagh and Cookstown on Sunday night.

The others injured in the crash, who are still in hospital, were also prayed for.

In his homily, Fr McGeehan, said Dylan’s family and friends would always remember a young man who had ‘characteristic charm and a natural wit.’

“Dylan was someone who was able to wind you up one minute and then burst out laughing the next. By all accounts, he really was a charming young man who made a lasting impression on all those who came into contact with him,” the priest added.

“Many people have visited your home, some who had not seen him since he was a young boy and some who barely knew him and even those who only met him in passing. Still, he stands out in their minds.

“He was well-loved and is fondly remembered in St Ronan’s Primary School in Recarson where your family has a long and enduring connection with the school. So naturally his death has been keenly felt there.

“But many in the school still remember the friendly, courteous and gentle boy that Dylan was. They also remarked that from an early age he was ambitious, diligent and hard-working. If Dylan set his mind to something then he worked hard to achieve it and did.”

Teachers, staff and friends from Drumragh Integrated College also attended the funeral, and all paid tribute to a friend.

He also had a special word for Mr McGahan’s girlfriend, Ruby, whom, he said, knew well how kind and generous he was.

“We might have our own plans and dreams such as Dylan had his – like perhaps becoming a pilot or a submariner. But our Christian faith teaches us that whatever plans we have for ourselves and others, God has bigger plans.”