Funeral details announced for teenager struck by car in Barnacarroll

FUNERAL details have been announced for the late Varakis Gudaitis.

The 17-year-old died on Saturday, March 30, after he was struck by a car in Barnacarroll while walking along the N17 near Claremorris at approximately 9.20pm. 

Mr Gudaitis was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was removed to Mayo University Hospital where a post mortem was to take place. No other injuries were reported in the collision

Mr Gudaitis has become the eighth person to lose his life on Mayo's roads in 2024. 

He will be reposing at St Colman’s Funeral Home, Lower James Street, Claremorris (F12 R3W8) on Thursday evening, (April 4) from 6pm until 8pm.

His funeral will arrive to St Colman’s Church, Claremorris, on Friday (April 5) for requiem Mass at 11am, with removal afterwards to Shannon Crematorium for a committal service at 2pm.

The teenager lived in Tavrane, Kilkelly and is the son of Lithuanian parents. 

He is predeceased by his grandfather Kestutis and is sadly missed by his heartbroken parents Renata and Nerijus, brothers Ruslanas, Faustas and Nojus and his sisters Karina and Vilte, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

His Funeral Mass can be viewed live on the St Colman’s Church Claremorris YouTube channel.

Gardaí in Claremorris are appealing to the public for information regarding Mr Gudaitis' tragic passing.

“Gardaí 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 on the N17 between Claremorris and Knock yesterday [Saturday] evening between 8.45pm and 9.30pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí,” the Garda appeal read.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

A fundraising appeal has been set up by friends of the family of Mr Gudaitis to help pay for the funeral of the teenager, whose family are natives of Lithuania.

Kristina Veldon, who is organising the fundraiser on GoFundMe, stated that 'nobody could have predicted or prepared for these unfortunate circumstances'.

“As you are well aware, the cost of funerals can be quite expensive, so we are looking for donations from the public to help the Gudaitis family pay their final farewell to their son.

“Any donation, big or small, will be greatly appreciated to cover the funeral expenses. Let's help this family in their time of need,” she wrote.