Hundreds gather for funeral Mass of teenager killed while watching Donegal International Rally

THE TEENAGER KILLED while watching the Donegal International Rally at the weekend has been remembered as a young boy with a unique personality.

Hundreds gathered St Colmcille’s Church in Glendowan this morning for the funeral of Tadhg Callaghan Carter.

The 15-year-old, from Keeloges, Churchill, was a spectator at the rally when he was struck by a competing car during special stage 12, Trentagh, on Saturday.

Guards of honour by St Eunan’s College, Stramore National School and Glenswilly GAA club straddled the remote roadside as the hearse bearing Tadgh’s white coffin made its way to the church, nestled on the glowing waters of Gartan Lake, where Mass of the Angels was celebrated. 

Some vehicles in the funeral cortège showed stickers reading: ‘Forever 15. Rest east Tadhg’. 

The church was packed to capacity and hundreds more huddled outside.

“We gather with hearts that are heavy and broken,” Gartan and Termon Parish Priest Fr Michael McKeever said. “We are in disbelief and in the midst of a cloud of shock and grief. 

“Tadhg was loved by so many. His life mattered. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.  We gather to say thanks for the precious gift of Tadhg’s precious 15 years.”

Fr McKeever said Tadhg brought “something unique” into the world.

“He brought himself,” the priest said. “Tadhg cannot be defined by the way he died. His life was so much more than that one tragic moment. 

“He was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, a friend. He was a young man with his own personality and his own sense of humour, a mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye. 

“He had his own gifts and his own hopes. You could see all of that from the photo memories; he was involved in everything. He was a typical young teenager, up for anything.

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“Fifteen years seems too short and yet the value of our life isn’t measured only in length. A person is measured by the love they give, the love they receive and the friendships that they make. By that measure, Tadhg’s life was rich and fulfilled.”

Several symbols commemorating Tadhg’s life were carried to the altar before Mass, including: A tractor he made in school symbolising his love of farming; a number plate for his love of rallying and diffing; a Glenswilly GAA jersey; and some family photos depicting trips near and far – to Glenveagh National Park and Australia.

“He embraced life and enjoyed life,” Fr McKeever said.

Referencing the deluge of condolences conveyed on social media, Fr McKeever told Tadhg’s grieving family: “The sympathy of the country is with you today.” 

Fr McKeever conveyed a message of sympathy on behalf of the Bishop of Raphoe Niall Coll and Bishop Emeritus Philip Boyce.

Rally driver Garry Jennings and co-driver Rory Kennedy, former winners of the Donegal International Rally, were among the mourners.

Local councillor Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly – whose brother and rallying star Manus Kelly lost his life while competing the 2019 Donegal International Rally – were also present.

Fr McKeever prayed for the others involved in the incident on Saturday, to those who came to the aid of Tadhg and to the medics at Letterkenny University Hospital who battled valiantly to save his life.

The teenager had just completed his Junior Cycle exams in St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny, where a book of condolence was opened on Monday before a prayer service.  Tadhg had also played for local clubs Glenswilly GAA Club and Glen Rovers FC. 

Fr McKeever said: “There are situations in life when words feel too small and this is one of those moments. A day of fun and excitement at the rally turned into a day to forget and a nightmare for the Callaghan and Carter families and for all who were with him and who knew and loved him.

“When someone is taken suddenly without any warning, we are left with all these questions – questions that have no easy answers. We wonder what might have been. We think ahead of the years ahead he might have had, the friendships still to be made, the experiences still to be had, the dreams yet to be fulfilled.”

Tadhg was laid to rest in Templedouglas Cemetery.

Following the incident on Saturday, all other competing cars were immediately returned to Parc Ferme in Letterkenny and the remainder of the rally was cancelled.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly those with mobile phone or dash cam footage in the area, to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station at 074 916 7100 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

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