First funeral of teenagers killed in M9 collision takes place in Athy

The first funerals for the teenagers killed in a recent motorway crash have taken place in Co Kildare and Co Carlow. Five individuals lost their lives when a car driven in the wrong direction collided with another vehicle. Gardaí remained at each funeral service. At the funeral in Athy for 15-year-old Joe Carthy, Father Francis McCarthy conveyed sincere sympathy to the family, stating, "We gather with sorrow in our hearts." Blue carpet led mourners to the church steps, adorned with white flowers.

In Carlow, a funeral mass for 16-year-old Alex McCarthy took place. Father Tom Little expressed that the congregation had come together with heavy hearts, emphasizing the prayers for the families on both sides of the accident. He noted that such incidents bring about shock, anger, questions, regret, and disbelief. The prayers honored those injured, thanked God for survivors and the medical personnel, and acknowledged the church community's support.

Kamil Pustkowski, aged 17, was laid to rest in Limerick, with his coffin draped in a white floral bouquet. A message from his family accompanied the floral tribute. His remains were then transported to Shannon Crematorium for cremation. The funeral of Jeremy O'Brien is scheduled for Monday at Holy Family Church in Askea, Co Carlow, while Jack Kennedy's funeral will occur on Tuesday at St Michael's Parish Church, Athy, Co Kildare.

Earlier, Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin conveyed a heavy day for Carlow, followed by a vigil in Graiguecullen for the injured family. Three women and a seven-year-old boy, who were en route to Dublin Airport when the collision occurred, remain hospitalized, battling serious injuries. A fundraiser for the affected family had amassed over €670,000 by Friday evening.