ONE week after the devastation of a crash in Armagh that claimed four young lives, the last of the funeral services was held on Sunday.
At St John’s Church in Middletown, family members of Emma Mallon (22) were applauded after making an emotional tribute.
She had died alongside three friends after a Volkswagen Golf she was travelling in struck a tree on the Ballynahonemore Road near Armagh in the early hours of Sunday, March 24.
On Friday, three separate funeral services were held for mother of one Marina Crilly (24) from Ballymacnab, Keith Morrison (22) from Tynan and Phillip Mitchell (27) from Markethill.
With a passion for horse riding and art, items from Ms Mallon’s life placed at the front of the church had included a riding helmet, family picture and a drawing.
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Colleagues from the Mullans Spar shop where she had worked also formed a guard of honour outside.
Towards the end of Sunday’s service, members of Ms Mallon’s family spoke movingly about their loss.
“She was a daughter, a sister, an aunt and a friend,” they said.
“In everyone’s life, she played such an important part. Growing up in Middletown amongst the nature and the countryside, she had a love of everything outdoors and even took horseriding in her stride.
“Emma was one of three girls, she was the baby of the house. A loving, caring, gentle-natured girl.
“Always there as a role-model and an amazing aunt.”
Another remembered her “beautiful smile” and as “a little ray of sunshine.”
“Growing from a girl to a young woman, we loved to watch her bloom,” they said.
“Trustworthy, kind and fun. Emma was an amazing friend surrounded by many close and good friendships and one that was with her to the very end.”
Another relative said: “Every day was a life that was lived, up until the tender age of 22. A life that we thought that was long and full, with so much that she wanted to pursure.
“Of all the special gifts of life, however great or small. To have Emma in our lives, even for this short time, has been the greatest gift of all.
“We will miss and love you Emma, our lives will never be the same. We will always keep your memory alive.”
During the homily on Sunday, a priest also thanked those who had tried to help immediately after the crash.
“Her four young friends who arrived at the scene and who tried their best to help,” he said
“And then we think of the emergency services – fire, police and ambulance – having to face that horrific scene.
“We thank them for what they done, to do the best they could.”
On Friday morning at St Patrick’s Church in Ballymacnab, family and friends of Marina Crilly heard her described as “an exceptionally good girl,” and that her young son Cillian would continue to bring joy to the family as he grew up.
Symbols from her life had included a family photograph, make-up brushes and her work uniform from Greenpark Nursing Home in Armagh.
Mourners were also told how Ms Crilly’s father Jason had only passed away three years ago.
At Keith Morrison’s funeral at Lislooney Presbyterian Church, Tynan, his mother-in-law had spoken of his love of farming with his father from a young age.
“Such a kind, caring, lovable, little rouge, the cheeky grin and the sparkle in his eyes,” she said.
Phil Mitchell’s funeral was held in First Presbyterian Church Armagh, with his family expressing their condolences for all those affected by the tragedy,
“Philip was more than just a member of our family; he was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him,” they said.
