"Much loved" Eoin Doyle sadly lost his life after the collision at a level crossing in Mayo last Thursday
The coffin of Eoin Doyle is lifted out of a hearse at St. Patrick's Church in Cloonfad, Co Mayo. (Image: Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA Wire)
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The funeral of a "beautiful boy" who tragically died following a horrific collision in Mayo has been remembered as a "kind-hearted" young child who loved soccer and had dreams of playing for Manchester United.
"Much loved" Eoin Doyle sadly lost his life after a collision at a level crossing in Kiltybo, near Ballyhaunis, Mayo last Thursday. The 12-year-old boy was travelling home from Gaelic football training when the incident happened.
The boy’s father Declan was taken from the scene by ambulance for hospital treatment for non life-threatening injuries.
Eoin Doyle
Eoin Doyle(Image: Cloonfad National School / Facebook)
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There were heartbreaking scenes on Tuesday at St. Patrick's Church, Cloonfad as mourners gathered to pay their final respects to beloved Eoin.
Symbols of Eoin’s short life brought forward to the altar included a football and Manchester United jersey, representing young Eoin’s love of all things sport. Hair gel and socks were brought, showing his love of looking well.
A photo of Eoin’s beloved grandparents was taken to the altar, along with a photo of his dog Bella, who he "loved so much". Eoin’s tablet and his game controllers were also brought to the altar, along with a photo of him with his twin sister Saoirse.
"Eoin had so many loves in his life, and sport was one of them," Eoin’s heartbroken mother Elaine shared.
"From an early age, he was kicking a ball around the house, and this continued for 12 years. Anywhere we went, there had to be a ball brought in the boot of the car.
"Soccer was always his favorite. He loved every training session and game with Cloonfad United.
"We couldn't leave early enough for training, and we were often left waiting in the car for him to come out at the end. With encouragement from the coaches over the years… Eoin showed flair and speed and skill and natural ability.
"He played with the Roscommon Academy, which he loved, and his dream was to play with his beloved Man United. And we'll never know really whether that could have happened or not."
The cortege for Eoin Doyle at St. Patrick's Church in Cloonfad, Co Mayo. (Image: Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA Wire)
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Devastated Elaine also told of the close bond Eoin had with his twin sister Saoirse. "His kind and friendly nature, with a bit of devilment, was irresistible," she said.
"Eoin was deeply loved by his family, adoring grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, but most especially by his twin sister Saoirse. She adored him.
"He was her boy, often saving him from trouble by helping him fill his water bottle for training, finding his shoes in a hurry.
"They would spend ages playing Lego, talking at night. Plenty of disagreements, but she had a hug for him every night. She’s truly lost her other half, our precious girl."
Eoin Doyle died after the car he was in was hit by a train at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis(Image: Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA Wire)
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Elaine shared that there has been an outpouring of support for the family since the tragic Thursday night that young Eoin lost his life, telling of her beautiful boy's "kind-hearted" nature.
"We’ve had an overwhelming and outpouring of kindness and support since that Thursday night from all over the country. Messages, people from everywhere, people we don’t know. It’s been so uplifting, and we can't truly describe it or comprehend yet."
She added: "The loss of our beautiful boy has no positives at all. Albeit, that it highlights the importance of kindness to others in our daily life.
"Eoin was kind-hearted to family, friends, and our pets, he hated to see anyone upset or in trouble. We’re grateful for all the people who loved Eoin in his short life.
"It means so much to us. It’s very difficult to know how we go on from here. Our home has changed forever. There’s an empty bedroom.
"We count on Eoin to bring us strength and watch over us every day, and I feel he’s doing that now already. Rest in peace, our fine, handsome boy. Until we meet you again."
Following the funeral mass Eoin was taken for burial in Ballyhaunis Cemetery. May he rest in peace.
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