Sportsman killed in Donegal crash brought joy to his family, says mother
A promising young sportsman whose life was cut short by a road accident in Ireland brought great joy to his family, his mother has said.
John Harley, 24, from the west Donegal town of Falcarragh, was one of four who died instantly when a car crashed on Sunday evening.
Daniel Scott, 23, from Gortahork, Shaun Harkin, 22, from Falcarragh and Micheal Roarty, 24, from Moneybeg, were also killed in the single-vehicle collision near Magheraroarty, Gortahork.
Father James Gillespie, parish priest at a packed St Finnian’s Church in Falcarragh, said funeral mass for Mr Harley on Thursday.
He recalled: “His mother (Ann Harley) said to me, throughout his whole life, he brought joy to the family.
“He was a promising young man with a great future which was sadly cut short.
“The legacy he has left, the achievements and memories we all have of him, will continue to enrich our lives and give us great joy in the years to come.”
The victims were travelling in a Toyota Corolla hatchback when it crashed near a bridge on a minor road.
Back-to-back funerals were held throughout the scenic and snowy area in the far north west of Ireland on Thursday as thousands turned out in the bitter cold to pay their respects.
Mr Harley was a gifted and dedicated sportsman, albeit less enthusiastic about his football training, Fr Gillespie said, noting: “He did things when they needed to be done.”
His friends described him as a brilliant mate and an “all-round nice guy”, as Fr Gillespie put it.
The clergyman paid tribute to all the bereaved families, suffering grief and pain mixed with disbelief, and said the local community had provided great support.
“It is great comfort to know that he meant so much to so many.
“People from all over the world have been here for the Harley family. He was a man who was admired and loved by all who met him.”
A snow-clad Mount Errigal formed an imposing backdrop at picturesque Dunlewey as Mr Roarty’s remains were carried into Sacred Heart Church, mourners following behind.
Many wore the green and white colours of his Dunlewey Celtic soccer team. Others had the jersey of Mr Roarty’s Gweedore GAA club.
Three former team-mates carried trophies, and a green jersey was placed on the coffin at the doorway to the church.
A floral tribute in the hearse spelled out his nickname, Roycee.
His team-mates formed a guard of honour.
Inside the church, Father Brian O Fearraigh told mourners Mr Roarty was a “giant of a man”, loved by many because he loved many, and there was laughter wherever he went.
Local GAA clubs formed a guard of honour as Mr Harkin’s remains were taken up the icy driveway of Christ the King church in Gortahork on Thursday morning.
Sean O Gallchoir, parish priest at Christ the King, performed the opening funeral rites as the coffin was carried into the church in front of a large crowd of mourners.
