Dylan Commins, one of five friends killed in a collision in Co Louth last weekend, lived a short life that was packed with adventure, bravery and joy, his funeral Mass has heard.
Hundreds of people gathered in Ardee on Friday to remember the 23-year-old, who established Coole Automotive, a transport and recovery business.
Dylan’s coffin arrived at the church along with a bright red Toyota Chaser car on the back of a recovery truck. Vehicles around the town bore ‘DYLAN’ number plates and a window display in a nearby charity shop paid tribute to the friends killed in Saturday’s crash.
The Commins family arrived at the church arm-in-arm in advance of the Mass.
Mourners arrive at the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady in Ardee, Co Louth for the funeral Mass of Dylan Commins (23). Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins
Mourners at the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady were told that Dylan had “big plans – bigger than most people his age” for his life.
In a eulogy, Lauren Commins, Dylan’s sister, said his life, though far too short, was “packed with adventure, with bravery, with joy, and with the love of family and friends who adored him”. She said his adventurous spirit “carried him through every chapter of his life”.
Cars were the great love of Dylan’s life, she said, and the Donegal Rally was a yearly pilgrimage for him that never lost its magic.
“He was the only man in Ireland who could sell you a rough IS200 and convince you it was the best buy you’d ever made,” Lauren said.
[ A teacher, a student and a mechanic: Who were the five friends who died in Co Louth crash?Opens in new window ]
She said that after trying his hand at a number of sports while growing up, Dylan was a proud member of the Milverton Motocross Club.
“He talked about becoming a millionaire, and if life had given him the time, he absolutely would have made it happen,” she said. “But on November 15th, those dreams were cut heartbreakingly short, alongside the lives of his friends. And nothing will ever be the same again.”
Dylan’s friends Chloe McGee (23) and Shay Duffy (21), both from Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, Alan McCluskey (23), from Drumconrath, Co Meath, and Chloe Hipson, 21, from Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, also died in the crash.
From left: Chloe McGee (23), Shay Duffy (21), Dylan Commins (23), Alan McCluskey (23) and Chloe Hipson (21). Photograph: The Irish Times/Montage of handout imagery from An Garda Síochána
Among the gifts brought forward were a picture of Dylan’s lorry, his boots and his Coole Automotive T-shirt to represent his business. There was a picture of his family to speak to the memories that will continue to hold them together, and a Winnie the Pooh teddy to celebrate his softer side.
Lauren spoke of her and Dylan’s parents, Thomas and Denise, their sisters Jessica and Sarah, and their heartbroken grandmother, Sheila.
“Rest easy, Dylan, the showman,” she said. “Your journey was wild, bright, and unforgettable – and your story will live on in all of us.”
President Catherine Connolly pays her respects to family members of Dylan Commins in Ardee, Co Louth on Friday. Photograph: Alan Betson
Among those in attendance were President Catherine Connolly and Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Francesco Campiello, who shared his personal experience of loss with the Commins family.
“Ten years ago a brother of mine died in a car accident at the age of 18, so I know what you are going through,” he said.
Crowds outside the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady in Ardee, Co Louth where the funeral Mass of Dylan Commins took place on Friday.
Photograph: Alan Betson
Fr Campiello said Dylan will become the “cornerstone” of his family and encouraged them to think of him not just as part of the past.
“What I can tell you is that there is hope,” he said. “Don’t think that this is the beginning of an endless chapter of sadness in your life.”
Dylan was buried at Old St Mary’s Cemetery following the Mass.
The funeral of Mr McCluskey took place on Friday morning and those of Ms McGee and Mr Duffy are to be held on Saturday. Ms Hipson’s funeral will take place at a later date.
[ ‘Incomprehension’ at death of Alan McCluskey in Co Louth crash, mourners toldOpens in new window ]
