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Family of popular schoolgirl Patrycja Dzikielewska 'shattered' by her death

Schoolgirl Patrycja Dzikielewska (9), killed in traffic accident in Hamiltonsbawn last week.
Schoolgirl Patrycja Dzikielewska (9), killed in traffic accident in Hamiltonsbawn last week. Schoolgirl Patrycja Dzikielewska (9), killed in traffic accident in Hamiltonsbawn last week.

The funeral has taken place of Co Armagh schoolgirl Patrycja Dzikielewska, killed in traffic accident in Hamiltonsbawn last week.

The nine-year-old, whose family are originally from southern Poland, died when her step grandfather's Peugeot 407 crashed on the rural road on Monday.

A popular pupil of Hardy’s Memorial School, the school's choir sang during the funeral mass at St Brigid's Church Newry, where the family were regular attendees.

Honorary Polish Consul, Jerome Mullen said that the Dzikielewska family had been left stunned after the loss of their "beloved child".

"Patrycja's parents, Monika and Darek have been left absolutely shattered by this", Mr Mullen said.

"They have been totally overwhelmed by the reaction of the local community in Richhill, where Patrycja was raised for most of her life and they will need more support as the days go by".

Mr Mullen also said the child's step grandfather, who was not seriously injured in the crash, "is in a terrible state".

"The school is devastated at the news and her fellow pupils will be comforted by the teaching staff over the coming days and weeks.

"I would on behalf of the Polish Consul General Pawel Majewski and the local community wish to express my sincere condolences to the Dzikielewska family at this tragic time, there is really not much anyone can say," he added.