By Conor Sharkey
THE Strabane teenager who died after being struck by a car at last weekend's Donegal Rally had a "happy, smiling, cheeky kind of grin," mourners at his funeral heard yesterday (Wednesday).
Richard McGrath (18) , right,was laid to rest at Murlog Cemetery alongside his father Paddy Joe, who passed away just three years ago. The young man died after he was struck by a competing car at the Donegal Rally on Saturday. It is understood he stepped out from the side of the road where he had been a spectator.
The debate over the safety of events such as the Donegal Rally has been raging since the tragedy. Local priest Fr Pat O'Hagan has called for the sport to be banned. However, Mr McGrath's family said they "completely disagree" that rallying should be outlawed.
But yesterday, the controversy was put to one side as more than 500 people packed into St Mary's Church, Melmount, for the young man's funeral.
A small tribute was paid by the Donegal Mini Owners Club, who displayed a number of their vehicles outside the church as a mark of respect to the teenager, himself a rallying fanatic.
During an emotional ceremony, Fr O'Hagan chose not to reiterate his views on rallying, instead choosing to concentrate on the loss of yet another young life in the Strabane area.
Speaking of the "tremendous sadness" felt across the Strabane and Lifford communities in recent days, Fr O'Hagan spoke of Richard as having a "smiling, happy, cheeky kind of grin".
"He was just a normal 18-year-old who went out on Saturday to enjoy himself, never thinking that we would be here today," the priest added.
Following Mass, Richard's remains were removed from the church and taken to Murlog Cemetery. The teenager is survived by his mother Florence, brother Kieran and sister Debbie and Christina.
Meanwhile, Richard's many friends have been flocking to his Bebo website to say their own personal goodbyes.
One message reads, "RIP Richie, things will never be the same without you. Always the life of the party, but I know you're happy being with your daddy. You're always in my heart kid".
A second message from 'Weefairy' movingly reads: "Still can't believe you're gone but I know you are with your dad and he will look after you. Love and miss you always wee man. Sleep tight."
Finally, just hours after Mr McGrath's funeral, a friend logged on to write, "Yes Richie, just cruising through. Can't believe you are gone. You are in a better place with your dad. See you in the long run buddy, RIP."
