Funeral for Jeremy O'Brien takes place in Carlow

A somber funeral service was held in Carlow today for Jeremy O'Brien, one of five young individuals who tragically lost their lives in a crash on the M9 earlier this month. The priest conducting the service, Fr Tom Little, emphasized that while the actions of the boys involved in the incident were wrong, the tragedy should not overshadow the lives of those who perished.

Gardaí (Irish police) were heavily present in Carlow ahead of the funeral, conducting checkpoints on main routes into the town and having the public order unit and armed detectives on standby. The funeral mass for the 18-year-old driver of the BMW occurred at the Holy Family Church, Askea, just outside Carlow town centre.

Fr Little expressed deep sorrow and loss on behalf of those gathered, praying for the injured and acknowledging the profound impact on families who have lost loved ones. He reminded everyone that while grief is overwhelming, it is essential not to let the tragedy become the sole focus of their thoughts.

The five teenagers died when their car was driven down the wrong side of the M9 motorway early Sunday morning on August 16th. Four other people, including three sisters and a seven-year-old boy, were critically or seriously injured in the collision. Funerals for the other victims - 15-year-old Joe Carthy, 17-year-old Alex McCarthy, and 17-year-old Kamil Pustkowski - were held on Friday, with the funeral for 17-year-old Jack Kennedy scheduled for tomorrow morning in St Michael’s Church in Athy, Co Kildare.

Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin addressed the congregation, urging people to use careful language and mindful social media posts while remembering the importance of treating the families of the injured victims with compassion as well.