‘He will be forever 19’ says family of Mayo crash victim

The brothers of 19-year-old Harry Fagan, who died in a road collision in Mayo last week, have paid a loving tribute to their brother at his funeral Mass.

Harry Fagan and James Daniels (13) were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in 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 currently receiving treatment in Mayo University Hospital.

James, of Swinefield, Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, was cremated yesterday in Shannon Crematorium after a funeral Mass, also at St Patrick’s Church, Cloonfad.

Fr Joe Feeney praised Harry’s young friends for their support since the accident.

“I couldn’t help noticing as I looked around at all who came to sympathise and spend time with the family, so many of his friends, youngsters as we'd say, there together, they were there at the beginning, over the past few days, last night, and here again today. Later on these friends will be gathered around the grave to say a final farewell to Harry, faithful friends, faithful to the end,” he said.

Harry’s three brothers, Daniel, Shane and Gerard, shared the eulogy at the mass.

“Today, our hearts are shattered as we gather to say goodbye to Harry. There are no words to describe the pain we feel losing him, and no amount of time to fill our hearts absence

“Our hearts go out to the Cunniffe and Daniels families as they bear the deep sorrow of losing James, he was not a friend, he was family to us and his loss is felt just as deeply in the Fagan family,” said Shane.

“As my baby brother, Harry, I always tried to get Harry to take the usual route in life, school, sport etcetera, but after a couple year of trying, I realised this man was not going to conform to regular societal pressures, this boy made his own rules and did life his way. 

“I was, and am, so proud of the man he became, I just wish he was still here to continue to show the world who Harry Fagan was,” he continued.

Items were brought forward to represent Harry’s life, including a family photo, his car keys, and a chain and copper band given to him by his father.

Daniel spoke: “Harry was always larger than life, from the beginning there was something special about him, he didn’t just exist, he lived.

“Harry had many great loves, but none like his love for Kate. Kate will forever hold a special place in our hearts, thank you for loving Harry in the way that you did.”

Harry’s eldest brother Gerard brought the eulogy to a close: “As we stand here, hearts heavy with grief, we find ourselves wishing for just one more of those moments, one more laugh, one more joke, one more time to see him charging through life without hesitation, that’s the hardest part, Harry’s gone and there’s nothing we can do to bring him back.”

“As you probably already know, music and singing is a huge part of this family. Dad is well known for singing ‘The Green Fields Of France’, but as I was walking this morning, I sadly realised our Harry is the one who will be forever 19.”

Harry Fagan is predeceased by his beloved grandparents, PJ Moran and Dermot and Bernie Fagan, and his cousin, Laura. 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.

May he rest in peace.