'He was so kind ' - funeral hears of Kilkenny 14-year-old mourned by family after fatal accident

A Kilkenny teenager who "loved nature" was remembered fondly at his Funeral Mass after losing his life suddenly in a road collision.

The life of Michael Joseph (Joe) Carthy was remembered with love at his Requiem Mass in Kilkenny on Thursday, August 1 just days after he lost his life in an incident on the Tullaroan Road at Ardboy, Bonnettstown on Saturday, July 27.

Mourners lined the pews of St Patrick's Church, Kilkenny to pay their final respects to the Kilkenny boy, who "reminds us how fragile life is", in the words of chief celebrant Fr Peter Muldowney. 

A number of handmade blue posters of Joe were placed around the coffin, while a single framed photograph of Joe sat perched on top of a coffin.

A string of symbols in recognition of the Kilkenny boy's life were offered up. Among them included a vape, a tennis ball as he was "very good at handball", a bottle of Coca Cola and an electric scooter, a fishing rope, Tayto Onion Rings as well as the lead of his dog Diamond, who was also presented. 

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It was arguably the moving sentiments espoused by Catherine Lennon who is project manager of Traveller Health Project Kilkenny which struck the most emotional chord with members of the congregation. 

The funeral cortege went through High Street with children carrying posters with picture of Joe, followed by other mourners.

The Kilkenny Traveller Primary Health Care Project is a HSE funded community health project that aims to improve the health of Travellers in Kilkenny City and County.

The project works through five Traveller Community Health workers and a Traveller Well-being and awareness worker who are peer educators and are managed by a Project Co-ordinator. The Project addresses issues in the community such as: Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes, Mental Health and Positive Well-being, Child Health & the Social Determinants of Health.

Catherine spoke on behalf of Joe's parents Paddy and Bridget: "My Joe, the youngest boy of our family. You are our pride and joy. Our hearts are shattered, our lives will never be the same. Joe loves to sit with his brothers and his last stop before home was always the handball alley. Mommy will miss your phone calls Joe, he loved to tell her how to cook the fish properly. We only had you for 14 years which wasn't enough and we cant wait to meet you at the gates again. Joe you had a heart of gold and you touched hearts of Kilkenny. Our blue eyed boy, love you forever Mommy and Daddy."

The late Joe Carthy will be sadly missed by his parents Paddy and Bridget and much loved brother of Patrick, William, Rachel, Lorraine, Katelyn and Annabelle, his godparents Michael and Helen, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, extended family and friends.

Following the Requiem Mass, Joe was laid to rest in Kieran's Cemetery.