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Classmates of Donnacadh Maguire release balloons at funeral of six-year-old in Derry

Classmates of six-year-old Donnacadh Maguire release balloons at his funeral at St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry on Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Classmates of six-year-old Donnacadh Maguire release balloons at his funeral at St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry on Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Classmates of six-year-old Donnacadh Maguire release balloons at his funeral at St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry on Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
By John Monaghan

CLASSMATES of six-year-old Donnacadh Maguire released balloons as mourners gathered at his funeral in Derry.

Pupils from St Eugene's PS paid the tribute to their friend as his coffin left St Eugene's Cathedral in the city on Saturday.

Donnacadh died in Altnagelvin Hospital after he was found lying on the road with serious head injuries outside his home in the Tyrconnell Street area of the Bogside at around 10.30am on Tuesday.

It is understood he had been playing in the street when he was injured.

Police said it was "possible" that his injuries "were sustained as the result of a collision with a vehicle".

Six-year-old Donnacadh Maguire died after being found lying in the street in the Bogside area of Derry
Six-year-old Donnacadh Maguire died after being found lying in the street in the Bogside area of Derry Six-year-old Donnacadh Maguire died after being found lying in the street in the Bogside area of Derry

It is understood his family only moved to Derry from Scotland months ago. His mother is Scottish and his father is believed to be from the Creggan area of Derry.

Comparing Donnacadh to his beloved Power Rangers, Fr Paul Farren told mourners: "I have to confess I am not an expert in Power Rangers but Donnacadh was.

"They are described as 'stronger than before, powered up for more, higher they can soar'. These words can also describe Donnacadh so well. Donnacadh is stronger than before, he has soared to greater heights - the heights of heaven. His strength comes now from being in the heart of God."

The funeral of six-year-old Donnacadh Maguire took place at St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry on Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
The funeral of six-year-old Donnacadh Maguire took place at St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry on Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin The funeral of six-year-old Donnacadh Maguire took place at St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry on Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

He added that the six-year-old was "so positive, energetic and full of life" and "bursting with joy and so happy to be on holidays".

"It is all so wrong and it is all too painful. It definitely should not be this way. As we stand in the face of this horrific pain we can be riddled with so many whys and if onlys – why this and if only that," he said.

"We have God, we have each other. God is here, God is with us all the time, particularly in the darkness."

Balloons are released to mark the life of Donnacadh Maguire as his coffin leaves St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Balloons are released to mark the life of Donnacadh Maguire as his coffin leaves St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Balloons are released to mark the life of Donnacadh Maguire as his coffin leaves St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

Donnacadh's parents Alan and Sarah, sister Saoirse and brother Kealan, followed his tiny white coffin, which was surrounded by teddy bears and a Manchester United jersey.

In a Facebook post, the Youth First youth club said: "Today is a sad day for Youthfirst as we say goodbye to our little super hero Donnacadh Maguire who was one of our stars in the Junior club.

"You will be sadly missed but your smile will live on in our memory as we know you have gained you angel wings and will look over your friends and family from above. Rest in Peace little Donny."

A man in his fifties was arrested in connection with Donnacadh's death on Tuesday and was later released on bail.

Following Requiem Mass, Donnacadh was buried in the City Cemetery in Derry.

Mourners comfort each other at the funeral of Donnacadh Maguire. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Mourners comfort each other at the funeral of Donnacadh Maguire. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Mourners comfort each other at the funeral of Donnacadh Maguire. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Police said Donnacadh Maguire's injuries may have been sustained after a collision with a vehicle. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Police said Donnacadh Maguire's injuries may have been sustained after a collision with a vehicle. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Police said Donnacadh Maguire's injuries may have been sustained after a collision with a vehicle. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Mourners follow the coffin of Donnacadh Maguire as it leaves St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry on Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Mourners follow the coffin of Donnacadh Maguire as it leaves St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry on Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Mourners follow the coffin of Donnacadh Maguire as it leaves St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry on Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Fr Paul Farren told mourners that Donnacadh Maguire was "so positive, energetic and full of life". Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Fr Paul Farren told mourners that Donnacadh Maguire was "so positive, energetic and full of life". Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Fr Paul Farren told mourners that Donnacadh Maguire was "so positive, energetic and full of life". Picture by Margaret McLaughlin