THE heartbroken girlfriend of a 19-year-old teenager who was killed in a crash alongside his 14-year-old pal has told how he “left us far too soon”.
Harry Fagan, 19, who was driving the car, and passenger James Daniels, 13, sadly lost their lives in the crash shortly after 8pm on Friday evening at Lavallyroe, Cloonfad in Co Mayo.
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Harry’s 17-year-old brother Dermot, who was the front-seat passenger in the car, sustained serious injuries in the collision and was rushed to Mayo University Hospital.
The trio were travelling to watch Cloonfad United FC senior team play Skyvalley Rovers at the time of the collision.
The driver of the tractor involved in the horror crash – a man aged in his 50s – was taken to Mayo University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
It’s understood that the car was travelling down a hill on the N83 just as the tractor, which had bales on it, pulled out onto the road.
Harry’s heartbroken girlfriend, Kate Mannion, paid an emotional tribute to the young man on social media over the weekend.
She said: “Rest in peace, Harry. You left us far too soon, but all the memories, love and joy will forever live in my heart.
“Love you so much, infinity. Infinity always.”
And the teenagers older brother, who was not involved in the collision, told how the family all love him “dearly”.
Gerard Fagan said: “You will always be with us Har, I know you will look down on us and keep our family safe, we all love you dearly. Sleep tight my little brother.”
A notice online told how Harry died “tragically, after an accident” and is predeceased by his beloved grandparents, PJ Moran and Dermot and Bernie Fagan, and his cousin, Laura.
It added: “Harry will be sadly missed by his heartbroken parents Ger and Trish, brothers Gerard, Shane, Daniel and Dermot, grandparents Kathleen, Tom and Marion, girlfriend Kate, aunts, uncles, cousins and a large circle of friends.”
Jamies Daniels’ was remembered as the “cherished son” of Karen and Chris and the “much-loved” brother of Zachary.
A notice online told how he is predeceased by his beloved Grandad Paddy, adding: “James will be sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, brother, grandparents Peggy, Paul and Melanie, aunts, uncles, cousins Oliver, Lily, Saoirse, Róisin, Laura, Emily, Daniel, Michael and Patrick, and his many friends.”
Taking to social media, his heartbroken mum shared a picture of her beloved son alongside a devastating tribute.
She said: “Our sweet baby James has left us for an adventure beyond our comprehension.
“Our love for you is infinite James. Our Oh so perfect blue-eyed boy… Our whirlwind. Our Heart and Soul. Thank you for EVERYTHING!”
SCHOOL COMMUNITY IN MOURNING
Ballyhaunis Community School told how the whole school community has been left “devastated” by the tragic deaths of current pupil James and past pupil Harry.
A statement on social media reads: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and friends at this dreadfully sad time.
“James and Harry had bright personalities and their presence greatly enhanced the school community.
“We mourn their loss and their memories will never be forgotten by those that knew them. May their gentle souls rest in peace.”
The school’s critical incident plan has been implemented and the school is liaising with the relevant agencies to ensure their students and staff feel supported at this “difficult time”.
The school added: “We are also keeping Dermot Fagan, who was seriously injured in the same incident, in our thoughts and prayers.”
GAME ABANDONED AFTER TRAGEDY
Cloonfad United FC told how the tragedy that unfolded on Friday evening left the community in “complete shock, numbness and disbelief”.
The game that the teenagers had been on the way to watch was “only a few minutes old” when it was abandoned due to the tragedy, with the club saying: “We thank referee Aiyo Bolarinwa for his quick judgement.”
“Rest in peace, Harry. You left us far too soon, but all the memories, love and joy will forever live in my heart.
Kate Mannion
Paying tribute to Harry and James, they said: “James Daniels was a member of our u14 squad that recently won the RDYSL Division One championship and he scored a number of goals during their campaign.
“James loved being with his teammates and friends and had a lovely friendly personality to match.
“Harry Fagan played for Cloonfad all the way through our underage program. Playing mostly in the midfield he always gave his best.
“Of course people involved in the game locally would be well aware of the Fagan name. They have given so much to our club in various different platforms and are so generous with their time to all local volunteer groups.
“Our hearts are broken for both families and we send our prayers and support to the Daniels, Cunniffe, Fagan, Moran and Reinhardt families. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.”
They added: “Deepest gratitude also to our friends at Skyvalley Rovers Football Club for their sincerity shown afterwards.”
FUNERAL DETAILS CONFIRMED
The devastated family of Harry and James have confirmed that both boys will be laid to rest later this week.
James will be reposing at the PJ Keane Funeral Home in Cloonfad from 5pm until 7pm this evening.
A mass of resurrection will be held at 12pm tomorrow at St. Patrick’s Church in Cloonfad tomorrow followed by cremation in Shannon Crematorium at 4pm.
Harry is reposing at his home on Tuesday evening from 5pm to 8pm, with the family requesting that the house remains private at all other times .
His funeral will be arriving at St. Patrick’s Church, Cloonfad on Wednesday for Mass of the Resurrection at 12pm followed by a burial afterwards in Cloonfad Cemetery.
GARDA APPEAL
Gardai attended the scene of the collision on the N83 at Levallyroe in Co Mayo shortly after 8pm on Friday evening.
The road was closed for a short time to facilitate a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and Gardai confirmed that a Family Liaison Officer was assigned to support both families of the deceased.
They have urged anyone who may have any information on the crash to come forward.
In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time of the incident, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
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