Mum of one of M9 crash teenagers says she “forgives” online trolls and sends love to injured

The mother of M9 crash teenager Jack Kennedy spoke at his funeral today (Tuesday).

The mass took place in St Michael's Church in Athy, Co Kildare this morning. Five teenage boys died in the crash when they were travelling the wrong way on the M9. The three women and child they hit remain in hospital.

Jack's mother Sarah told mourners that five young boys "made a bad choice" and paid the "ultimate price".

"We as a family want to send our deepest condolences to Joey, Alex, Jeremy and Kamil’s families. Five young boys made a bad choice. Five young boys paid the ultimate price. Five families lost their babies. Five families got a life sentence. May all rest in peace.

"Heartfelt apologies to the families who were injured. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers. We pray to God that you all make a full recovery. And once again, we are sorry," Sarah said.

The five boys have been named as Jack Kennedy (17), Kamil Pustkowski (17), Joe Carthy (15), Alex McCarthy (17) and Jeremy O’Brien (18). Two of the young men had previously been charged by Gardai for a number of different crimes.

In the time since, thousands of hateful and abusive comments have been posted about the young men. One government TD called the teens "thugs".

"I do not understand why these horrible...I won't say it...say such unkind and hateful things, knowing that five families are suffering the most highest way possible," Sarah added.

"Your words mean nothing to us because the pain that we are all feeling right now, we will have that pain forever. So I've decided, instead of all reacting to you all, to forgive you all. Not one of you are walking in our shoes, and I pray to God none of you will. No one should have to bury their child."

Sarah told the mass that her son's last words to her were: 'I love you, mam'.

"I said 'I love you back, son'.

"There is something I want to say, and especially to Jack's friends. If you're considering continuing this criminal activity, Please stop, because this is the end of it. This is a family broken, and the consequences of that will happen to you too, for you yourself, and then you'll have the innocent victims, like the people who are in hospital trying to recover.

"Lastly, this is to my little soldier, Jack. I will never forget your kindness, your smile, your love, your handsomeness, and your funniness. You were my world, and you still are."