His father Paudie read out a heartbreaking poem during the service
A TEENAGER who tragically died after a crash in Tipperary has been remembered as a “curly-haired rogue” during an emotional funeral farewell.
His heartbroken sisters paid a touching tribute, saying: “Sleep tight, happy Christmas David.”
David Lahart, 19, was killed alongside his pal Gediminas Urbonas, 21, after a four-vehicle car crash Killeen, Ballinunty just before 6pm on Saturday.
Two women, both aged in their 20s and travelling in a second car, were taken by ambulance to Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel for injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
Six other people were medically assessed at the scene and did not require immediate hospital treatment.
In a touching tribute to sports star David, his coffin was brought to the altar by pals from Killenaule GAA club dressed in their team kit.
During the funeral mass, grieving family and friends brought up items that represent the tragic teen’s life.
David’s GAA jersey was brought up, again demonstrating his love for the sport and for his team.
His golf club and cap were presented, symbolising his time as junior golf captain at Slieveanamon Golf Club.
The teen’s Tipperary Southern and District League medal represented his time with Moyglass United football club.
Sneakers were presented, symbolising his passion for athletics, while a copy of FIFA demonstrated his love of gaming.
A model car was offered to show his love for cars and lastly his headphones were brought up to represent his passion for music.
David’s father Paudie and two of his sisters – Rachel and Megan – paid heartbreaking tributes to the “funny” young man.
His dad said he had “no words” to express the impact of the loss he and his family were feeling.
‘OUR FUNNY MAN’
He read a poem about David titled “The Curly-Headed Rogue” which he said summed him up.
The poem described David as “our funny man”, who always brought joy with a “wink or a cheeky smirk”.
It continued: “I’ll never find the words to say to immortalise your name. You left us with a void that we never could reclaim.
“But your light will still burn brightly in our hearts and in our soul. Now rest in peace, sweet David, our curly-headed rogue.”
CHERISHED MEMORIES
One of David’s sister’s tearfully said she would forever cherish the “laughs, tears, giggles and chats” they shared together.
She said: “I will carry on because, like you always told me, ‘Get up, get out, get at it!’
“I will put one foot in front of the other, even if it kills me. I love you, sleep tight, happy Christmas Davie.”
Another of David’s sisters said: “Today, we are filled with sadness, anger, and disbelief.
“Losing a loved one is hard, it is heartbreaking to say the least and we would give anything for one last hug and see his cheeky smile.
“But when we are missing him the most, we will look up to the sky because he’ll be the brightest one above, because his soul is, without a doubt, one which will forever be loved.”
TRAGIC POEM TRIBUTE
David’s father Paudie read out a heartbreaking poem titled ‘The Curly-Headed Rogue’ composed by someone close to the family mass. It read:
“He’d greet you with a wink or a cheeky smirk he’d grin, with a golf club or a hurl, he would always aim to win.
“He’d dish a fair old slagging with a confidence so bold. Our funny man, our David, the curly-headed rogue.
“He always kept us smiling on or off the pitch, whether imitating viper or pretending he’s a fish.
“He could light up a million faces with a beam of red and gold. Our funny man, our David, the curly-headed rogue.
“I’ll never find the words to say to immortalise your name. You left us with a void that we never could reclaim.
“But your light will still burn brightly in our hearts and in our soul. Now rest in peace, sweet David, our curly-headed rogue.”
The family also expressed gratitude to the community for all the support they had received from friends and the local community since the tragedy.
Father Jimmy O’Donnell, who led the funeral mass, shared that scores of events were cancelled after the news of David’s death reached the community.
A local school‘s nativity play, the County Board GAA Convention and the Hurling Under 21 South Final were all cancelled as a mark of respect.
PAL KILLED
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe to help fund Ged Urbonas’ funeral has raised almost €5,000.
David’s friend, who died alongside him in the crash, is survived by his parents Jolanta and Saulius and sister Saulena.
He will also be missed by aunty Zaneta, cousin Ridas, his loving family “back home and his wide circle of friends”.
Urbonas will repose at Kennedy’s Funeral Home in Thurles this evening between 5pm and 7pm.
His funeral mass will be held tomorrow at Holycross Abbey at 11.30am followed by a private cremation.
COP INVESTIGATION
Gardai have launched an investigation into the crash and urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and assist in the probe.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Investigating Gardai are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.”
“They are also appealing to any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time to make it available to them.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Thurles Garda Station on 0504 25100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
