Funeral of Mayo teen to take place on Achill this Friday

The funeral of an Achill teenager who was killed in a road traffic collision on Monday will take place on Friday morning.

Seventeen-year-old Luca Callaghan from Owenduff, Achill was killed in a single-vehicle traffic accident when the car he was driving struck a pole outside the Achill Head Hotel in Pollagh on Achill Island in the early hours of Monday morning.

The funeral arrangements for the teen which have been announced will see the teen reposing in Sweeney's Funeral Home, Achill on Thursday evening from 4pm to 7pm. His Funeral Mass will take place on Friday morning at 10.15am in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Achill Sound with burial afterwards in Polranny Cemetery.

Luca is survived by his heartbroken parents Darren and Fidelma; brothers, Ciarán, Cody, Rhys and Dean; grandmother, Phillis Moran, uncles, aunts, grand-uncles and aunts, cousins, relatives and friends.

The news of his death rocked the Achill community with expressions of sympathy paid on social media to the teenager’s grieving family.  Luca worked as an apprentice mechanic and was also involved in the Mayo Motorsport Club who paid tribute to him describing him as a 'well thought of young man' with 'much talent and promise'.

“It is with immense sadness that we offer our most sincere condolences to the family, friends, neighbours and colleagues of club member Luca Callaghan RIP

“Luca was a very well thought of young man who showed much talent and promise during his short time involved with our club and will leave a fond and lasting memory of his enthusiasm for and love of cars and motorsport.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by his sad and most tragic loss. Rest in Peace Luca,” the Facebook post read.

Luca also played football for both Achill GAA and Achill Rovers and both clubs expressed their sympathies to his family and loved ones.

“It is with great sadness and deep regret that we offer our deepest condolences to the family of our past club member Luca Callaghan who lost his life in tragic circumstances.

“To Darren, Fidelma, Ciaran, Cody, Rhys, Dean and all the wider family circle of the Callaghan and Moran families; your friends and fellow club members here in CLG Acla stand with you in your grief at the untimely passing of Luca.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this incredibly difficult time, we pray you find comfort and strength in each other. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” Achill GAA wrote.

Achill Rovers wrote: “Achill Rovers would like to extend its heartfelt and deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of Luca Callaghan to his loving parents Darren and Fidelma, brothers Ciarán, Cody, Rhys, and Dean. We would like to extend our condolences to the Callaghan and Moran families and his many friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on these sad and difficult days. May Luca’s kind and gentle soul Rest in Peace.”

Luca was the sole occupant of the car when the collision occurred on the main R319 Keel to Dooagh road at approximately 12.45am. Gardaí investigating the death are appealing for witnesses and anyone with video footage, including motorists with dash-cam, from the area at the time, are asked to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Westport Garda Station on 098 502 30, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.