‘Our precious boys were taken too soon’ - Mother pays tribute to son James Daniels (13) at funeral

THE mother of a 13-year-old boy who died in a road collision on the Mayo side of the Mayo-Roscommon border has paid a loving tribute to her son at his Funeral Mass.

James Daniels and Harry Fagan (19) were killed when the vehicle they were travelling collided with a tractor on the N83 at Levallyroe last Friday evening. 

Harry’s younger brother, Dermot (15), was seriously injured in the crash and is still receiving treatment in Mayo University Hospital.

The funeral of Harry, of Lavalleyroe, Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, will take place tomorrow.

Speaking at James Daniel’s funeral Mass today (Tuesday), his mother, Karen, described him as ‘our beautiful, blue-eyed, sweet baby James’. 

“You were a whirlwind of uncontrollable exuberance. You were charismatic, loyal and loving to the core and so so funny. One of your friends described your personality this week as magnetic,” she told those gathered in St Patrick’s Church in Cloonfad.

James was a student in Ballyhaunis Community School and a popular member of Cloonfad United. His love for the club was represented by a football, a Cloonfad United jersey and a soccer medal which were presented as symbols of his life. 

“To all James’ friends, Cloonfad United, Ballyhaunis Community School, Foróige and elsewhere. Stay strong and try not to dwell too long on how he was taken from us,” said Karen.

“Some of the stories we have heard in recent days from his classmates and others have brought us great comfort and joy. 

“Even though at the time a great source of irritation to the teaching staff at Ballyhaunis Community School, please know his actions came from a good place. He just wanted to brighten people’s day and make them laugh,” she added.

“James took nothing seriously. Nothing phased him. One line he regularly used was ,‘chill out Mommy, it’s really not that bad’. And, you know, it wasn’t.”

Karen also paid tribute for ‘love and kindness showered upon us’ by neighbours, friends, and family in the local community in Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis and further afield since his passing. 

She also mentioned the fond relationships he had with his younger brother Zachary ‘who he loved deeply’, his grandmother Peggy who made him feel ‘so special and loved’ and his cousin Oliver whom he ‘idolised’. 

She wished also James’ best friend, Dermot, well in his recovery from his injuries. 

“We loved you like one or our own, Dermot, and we want you home so please get better soon, and we’ll always be here for you.”

She concluded by thanking the Fagan family ‘for the love they gave James all through the years’. 

“Your home was like a second home and we know you loved him like a second son. He loved you all so much. We’re so sorry for the loss of your beautiful young man, Harry, taken in his prime. Our precious boys were taken too soon. God bless them both.” 

Fr Mark Quinn said it is ‘impossible to find any words to express the pain, the loss, and the confusion’ felt by James’ family and loved ones.

He added that the community’s prayers and thoughts remained with the Daniels and Fagan families and urged James’ classmates and friends to remember all the good times they had together and to look out for one another. 

“Losing a friend, a classmate, a teammate the same age as yourself can be incredibly difficult. It’s hard to understand and it’s okay to feel sad, confused or even angry. Those feelings are there because you loved James, you loved him very much,” said Fr Quinn.

“He brought joy to your lives, his spirit, his laughter, and his kindness are what you will miss. The best way to honour him is not only by remembering the good times you had together, but by imitating his great qualities. By being a great friend to one another and by looking out for one another.”

James Daniels predeceased by his grandfather Paddy. He is survived by his parents Karen and Chris and brother of Zachary. 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.

May he rest in peace.