15-year-old girl who was killed in Tipperary crash remembered at funeral mass

Joseph Loftus

Leah O’Meara tragically lost her life last Thursday.

A 15-year-old girl who was killed in a car crash in Tipperary last week has been remembered at her funeral mass this morning.

Mourners were told that Leah O’Meara, from Thurles, had a “beautiful heart” with big plans for the future, reports the Irish Independent.

Father Walsh, who led the mass, told mourners of how the entire community had been “numb to the core since the tragic news broke”, before adding that Leah’s sudden passing brought “huge loss, pain, shock, and disbelief”.

@colmhuirecoed Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed. Principal, staff, students, Board of Management and parents/guardians are shocked and saddened by the sudden and untimely death of one of our students, Leah O’Meara💔

The school has issued the following statement – https://t.co/1NyToDmCmv pic.twitter.com/A1lJIWIEik

— Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed. (@colmhuirecoed) February 17, 2024

15-year-old girl who was killed in Tipperary crash remembered at funeral mass.

He continued, saying: “Our words, while few and useless, we try in prayer and in this mass to send some peace and consolation to Leah’s family to give them strength, not only today and tomorrow, but in the weeks to come.”

Fr Walsh added: “For Leah, family and her friends were such a core in that beautiful heart of hers. She was just so easy to please – what a wonderful attribute for a 15-year-old to be spoken about.

“The good deeds we do in life today go with us… she brings bagfuls of good deeds with her today.”

Fr Walsh concluded his eulogy using Leah’s favourite saying “keep it lemon”.

‘I can’t believe you are gone’ – Heartbreaking tributes at funeral of Tipperary crash victim Leah O’Meara https://t.co/THkMhlDQej

— Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) February 20, 2024

Leah’s sister Rebecca, and her friend Adam also paid their condolences.

“I can’t believe you are gone, Leah,” said Adam. “It doesn’t feel real.

“I will love you and I will miss you forever. I am going to miss our movie nights and I’m going to miss your contagious laugh. I am going to miss seeing you every day. You were a best friend. I hope that you are at peace and everyone that we have lost is minding you up there. Forever 15. I love you.”

Rebecca said: “My beautiful baby sister, why have you been taken from us? You were so young, you had your whole life ahead of you. Holding your hand in the hospital, and feeling the warmth of your hands, your hands turned cold. And your beautiful face bruised.

“My heart is shattered into a million pieces. I love you so much. You have made us all so proud. You were sitting your exams and I promised you I would buy you a tracksuit if you passed your Junior Cert and you were so happy. And now I’ve bought things for your grave instead.

“I will never get to hear your laugh again, see your beautiful smile, hear and you and Lucy, your best friend, messing around the house.

“You brightened up the entire room. You were always so happy. Sleep tight my sister, Grandad is there, your cousin Michael, and our baby brother will look after you. Until we meet again.”

Gardaí are continuing their appeal for information.

“Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Additionally, anyone with camera footage (including dashcam) from the area at the time is requested to provide it to Gardaí,” a Garda spokesperson said.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station at 067 50450, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.”

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