‘There was no one like him’ says friend of Mayo crash victim

The funeral Mass of the late Kacper Swierkowski saw his friends and family remember him as an honest, bright, loving young man.

The Mass took place in the Church of the Holy Rosary in Castlebar this morning.

It began with symbols of Kacper's life being brought to the altar, and emotional eulogies from family and friends, including his mother, Jolanta, who gave her heartfelt eulogy in her native language, Polish. 

The 18-year-old, who was due to sit his Leaving Certificate this summer, died following a road traffic accident involving a motorcycle last week.

Two of Kacper’s friends shared fond stories and memories, and told Mass attendees of the many plans they had made for their future.

“We had so many plans together, to go to college in Galway and move into a house together, and to go on a lads trip to Marbella,” said one friend.

The Davitt College student was described as a family oriented teenager, who had a passion for adventurous activities.

Kacper’s brothers, David and Patryk, thanked the community and the emergency services for all they have done since his passing.

“He had many adventure fuelled hobbies, like skiing and scuba diving, and he loved to ride his motorbike.

“He saved his money to buy his own motorbike, and he loved showing it off, especially to girls,” they said.

The Knockaphunta Park teenager was said to be ‘naturally intelligent’, his brothers saying he ‘always gave everything 100 percent, although you would never find [him] behind a book’.

They continued: “He was the most hard-working person we know. He loved his independence and having his own money, he never took anything from our parents."

Another friend spoke: “It’s never easy to lose a friend under any circumstances. There was no one like him, any time you needed him he was there.

“He had a good heart and was always honest; sometimes maybe too honest. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind,” said a friend of the late 18-year-old.

“He had such a bright future and lots of plans. He would always speak about his plans.

“My last moments with him were a simple, see you later. I will really miss him”.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.