Boy, 12, killed after train hits car is described by mother as ‘kind-hearted’

The mother of a 12-year-old boy who was killed after a train hit a car has described him at his funeral in Co Mayo as a kind-hearted child whose “bit of devilment” was irresistible.

Eoin Doyle was pronounced dead last Thursday evening after the crash at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis.

The boy’s father Declan was taken from the scene by ambulance for hospital treatment for non life-threatening injuries.

It is understood they had been travelling home from Gaelic football training when the incident happened.

Mourners at his funeral at St Patrick’s Church in Cloonfad heard how he was deeply loved by his family, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, and most especially his twin sister, Saoirse.

His mother Elaine told the funeral that Saoirse “adored” her twin brother.

Among the symbols brought to the altar to represent the things Eoin loved included a soccer ball, Manchester United jersey, hair gel and socks, a picture of his grandparents, a picture of his dog, Bella, his tablet and game controllers, and a picture of his twin sister.

Sitting on top of the coffin was a recent family picture of Eoin and Saoirse holding the Sam Maguire Cup following Co Mayo’s All-Ireland win in July.

Elaine told those gathered that as a baby, Eoin spent most of time on someone’s shoulder.

“It was lucky that there were lots of shoulders for Eoin, from his doting grandparents, to his aunts and uncles,” she said.

“As a result, he never slept in a cot.

“He always loved having someone to lie in with him to fall asleep every night and that continued until some time last year.

“I thought it would never end, but I would give anything now to another night to lie in with Eoin.

“He was cuddly and affectionate, often putting his arms around you after after just giving out to him for something and he knew that you couldn’t stay cross with him for very long.

“Eoin had so many loves in his life and sport was one of them.

“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 favourite.

“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.

“His dream was to play with his beloved Man United.

“And we never know, really whether that could have happened or not.

“He had his first training session the other night with the under-13 football team in Ballyhaunis.

“He was a bit reluctant and nervous to go.

“I didn’t want (him) to go and really, he was pretty anxious about going, but when he was on his way home, Declan told me afterwards, he was really excited about how well it had actually gone.

“Eoin loved his friends and his cousins and the fun they had together.

“He loved hanging out with his best buddy, Zachary.

“He always had great ideas for doing fun things that you aren’t allowed to do.

“He was very much still a boy who’d loved to run and play.”

Elaine spoke about the close bond Eoin and Saoirse shared, and how the pair loved playing Lego together and how she has lose her other half.

“His kind and friendly nature, with a bit of devilment was irresistible.

“Eoin was deeply loved by his family, adoring grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, but most especially by his twin sister Saoirse. She adored him,” mourners were told.

“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.

“We’ve had an overwhelming 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 truly describe it or comprehend yet.

“We’re truly grateful and thank everybody properly in due course.

“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 up 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.”

Parish Priest of Ballyhaunis Fr Stephen Farragher described Eoin’s death as a tragedy that has touched the heart of the nation.

“We come together as a community united by our love for Eoin and by our sorrow at his sudden and tragic death,” Fr Stephen added.

“I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that we are still in shock. There are many here today who are struggling to comprehend what has happened.

“There are questions for which we have no answers, and a sadness that words cannot adequately express.

“We pray for the strength and comfort of Elaine, Declan, and Saoirse, for Eoin’s grandparents and wider family, and for all those who loved him.

“As we celebrate this mass, we will also celebrate Eoin. His 12 years of life, the joy he brought to those around him, the things he loved, the friendships he made, and the love that surrounded him every day.

“We gathered because we have lost Eoin, a beloved son, a beloved brother, beloved grandson, a friend, a classmate, a teammate, a boy who was simply, wonderfully Eoin.

“There are moments in life when words seem inadequate, and this is one of those moments.

“Twelve years is far too short a time. Both parents should never have to say goodbye to their child. No brother or sister should have to stand at the funeral of their twin. No grandparent should have to grieve the loss of a grandchild.

“No school should have to say a farewell to one of its children.

“We don’t pretend that this is anything other than devastating.

“Eoin’s life cannot be measured simply by its length, it is measured rather by the love he received, by the love he gave, by the laughter he shared, by the friendships he made, by the things he enjoyed, by the people whose lives he changed simply by being part of them.

“There was so much life in Eoin. There was the Eoin who loved sport, soccer, and Gaelic, who used the excitement of a game, the joy of playing with others, the disappointment of the defeat and the satisfaction of a win.”