Funeral for hit-and-run victim

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Church of Christ The King in Cabra this morning for the funeral mass of 14-year-old Conor Hickey, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident at the weekend.

His remains were carried to the church by his friends in his school, Colaiste Mhuire, and members of his local GAA club, Naomh Fionnbarr.

He was remembered by local parish priest Fr Pat Carroll as a boy who "lifted up the entire school" with his constant smile and good humour.

"Conor's principal, Maistir O Murchu, has told me . . . of his radiant smile, the glint in his eye, lovable, kind, always willing to help."

Fr Carroll recalled that on the afternoon before Conor died, he had stayed behind at school to help the chaplain, before heading to Cabra library to do his homework.

His school friends offered up gifts at this morning's service to remember him by, including a hurling stick and jersey from his local club, Naomh Fionnbaire; a school shirt signed by his classmates; boxing gloves; skates and a tin of spraypaint.

The trainer of Conor's GAA team, Patrick Whelan, spoke on behalf on the boy's family and expressed thanks to the community for their support. He said God had given them a perfect son and brother over the past 14 years.

"The past events of this week have changed all that," Mr Whelan said. "Our lives have been completely devastated by the loss of Conor and all our hopes and dreams have been shattered."

Following the mass, Conor's remains were brought to Glasnevin Cemetery, where he was buried this afternoon.

Any witnesses of the incident last Friday at the junction of St Eithne Road and Fassaugh Road, in north Dublin, should call Mountjoy Garda station on 01-666 8600, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111.