BREAKING: Tipperary road traffic accident victim 'could light up a million faces'

The  Killenaule community gathered this morning in mourning at the tragic loss of life of a young man who “could light up a million faces.”

Killenaule came to a standstill as the funeral mass and burial took place for 18-year-old David Lahart from No 7 Castlequarter, Killenaule. He died in a four-vehicle collision at Killeen, Ballinunty, shortly before 6pm last Saturday.21-year-old Gediminas Urbonas from Holycross also lost his life in the accident, which caused profound heartbreak throughout Tipperary.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to young men who died in a road traffic accident in Tipperary

The death of David Lahart caused deep shock and sadness in his hometown of Killenaule, where he was laid to rest on Wednesday after a Requiem Mass in St Mary’s Church in Killenaule.

Heartfelt tributes were paid to a young man who was lovingly described as “Our funny man, our David, our curly-headed rogue.”

His father, Paudie, told mourners that there were no words to describe how everyone was feeling.
He thanked everybody from the bottom of his heart on behalf of Aisling and the Lahart and Morris families, who “helped us, held our hands, hugged us, and helped us get through.”

He read a poem which he said captured David.
“He would greet you with a wink or a grin, with a golf club or a hurl he would always win. He could light up a million faces. You left us with a void we can never reclaim, but your light will still burn brightly in our hearts and our souls.”

His sister Rachel told mourners that she would always remember what he had often told her - “Get up, get out, and get on with it.”

Symbols that captured his short life were brought to the altar by family members and friends.
They represented his love of Killenaule GAA Club, his time spent playing with Moyglass United, his time as junior captain in Slievenamon Golf Club, his love of cars and music.

Fr James O’Donnell, PP said the symbols captured all the wonderful memories his family, neighbours and friends had of David.
He said what happened on Saturday night had devastated the family and caused sad days around the hills of Killenaule.
He told mourners that the events of Saturday night forced people to face the brevity of life and how fragile it was.He asked them to cherish what can often be taken for granted, like life, love and friendship.

He said David was full of life, and his life was full of promise. He said David had a smile and a kind word for everyone and was a friend to so many. He said everybody was very conscious of the fact that their words were inadequate as they tried to offer comfort to the bereaved family.

David was the son of Paudie Lahart and Ashling Morris and was a nephew of Tipperary GAA County Board Treasurer, Eleanor Lahart.
He is also survived by his siblings Megan, Rachel, Alex, Amber and Leah, his special nephew Jayden, stepmom Jacinta, loving grandparents Ned and Christine, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of friends.

READ NEXT:Tipperary GAA issue statement after fatal road traffic accident

As a mark of respect to his grieving family, the Tipperary GAA County Board Convention due to take place last Sunday was postponed as was the Under 21B South Football Final between Killenaule and Knockmealdown Gaels that was due to take place in Kilsheelan on Sunday morning. Tipperary GAA extended its “heartfelt and sincere sympathies” to the families of those who lost their lives in Tipperary at the weekend.