Funeral of murdered schoolgirl held

Hundreds of mourners attended the church of St Mochta's in Dublin for the funeral of 12-year-old murder victim Michaela Davis this afternoon.

The schoolgirl from Porterstown, who was killed last Saturday, had just started secondary school.

Classmates in the scarlet and black uniform of Luttrellstown Community College formed a guard of honour as the white coffin was carried from the church gate to its door.

The coffin was carried by her father, Brendan Davis, her 16-year-old brother Brendan and other relatives. Her mother Deirdre Davis followed the coffin into the church.

Students from other schools attended including from the St Mochta's National School, which Michaela left in June.

Friends, who had moved on from St Mochta's to other secondary schools in the area such as Clonsilla Community College, Castleknock Community College and Mount Sackville, were also present.

The young people appeared tearful, shocked and overwhelmed by the death of their friend.

Also present were local representatives Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan and Labour TD Joan Burton, along with former Dublin lord mayor Eibhlinn Byrne.

Friends and relations brought a series of gifts to the altar to place close to Michaela's coffin, including a photo of her in school uniform taken last week, a bar of chocolate and a little cat to mark her fondness for animals.

Parish priest Father John Daly remarked, as a cuddly toy and an angel were brought to the altar, that: "Michaela was 12; only a little girl".

He told mourners she was "vibrant and full of life". She had been christened at the church in white, he said, had made her communion there and  had worn white during her confirmation there earlier this year.

"I know her mum and dad hoped and longed that the next time that Michaela came to this church dressed in white it would be for another celebration," the priest said.

The schoolgirl was laid to rest at Clonsilla churchyard.