'They needlessly lost their lives': priest at funeral of Lauren Bullock in Donaghmore

Teenager's coffin was pink and decorated with flowers

Lauren Bullock
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 22nd Mar 2019

The funeral for 17-year-old Lauren Bullock was carried into St Patrick's Church in nearby Donaghamore in a pink and white casket ahead of requiem mass.

Lauren's coffin was pink and decorated with flowers.

She was borne through the church yard in Donaghmore followed by an enormous but silent crowd who had accompanied her on her final journey.

Schoolchildren lined the street while the bell at St Patrick's Church tolled.

Chief celebrant at Lauren's service Father David Moore said the three victims had lost their lives “needlessly''.

He said St Patrick's Day 2019 would never be remembered as a celebration of Ireland's patron saint.

“Instead, for many decades to come, Saint Patrick's Day 2019 will be called to mind as the awful day when three beautiful young people, all in the prime of their lives, were overpowered, literally in the mad rush of our modern world, and needlessly lost their lives,'' he said.

“On Sunday night, and during the early hours of Monday, a dark and threatening cloud hung over all of us as we struggled to understand and come to terms with the tragic turn of events on what ought to have been a night of fun, dance, friendship and laughter.

“Instead we learned, in a state of shock and disbelief, of the news of Lauren's tragic death, and the deaths of Connor and Morgan."