A horse-drawn carriage brought the remains of 23-month Adam Lieghio to the Church of Our Lady Immaculate in Darndale yesterday where over 500 people attended his funeral Mass. The baby died on Monday morning when fire swept through his grandmother's home in Buttercup Park after a petrol bomb attack. A man has been charged with his murder.
Children gasped as the carriage, drawn by two black horses, came before the huge crowd gathered outside the church. Adam's parents emerged from the funeral car. Ms Louisa Lieghio buried her head in the arms of her partner, Mr David Moore, as their son's remains were carried into the church.
The parish priest, Father Willie Fitzpatrick, said it was hard for the community to accept the death of an "innocent child" in such circumstances.
Members of Adam's family came forward and placed items on the coffin representing the child's "life and loves". These included a Tellytubby, a toy duck and his running shoes.