Northern Ireland

Schoolgirl Brooke Reid McMaster laid to rest after house fire tragedy

Brooke Reid McMaster's father Geoff (left) and grandfather Billy carry the schoolgirl's coffin. Picture by Hugh Russell.
Brooke Reid McMaster's father Geoff (left) and grandfather Billy carry the schoolgirl's coffin. Picture by Hugh Russell. Brooke Reid McMaster's father Geoff (left) and grandfather Billy carry the schoolgirl's coffin. Picture by Hugh Russell.

HUNDREDS of mourners lined a street yesterday to pay their final respects to schoolgirl Brooke Reid McMaster who lost her life in a house fire.

The 12-year-old died last Wednesday evening after the blaze broke out in her Ballymena home.

A funeral service took place outside the Dunclug College pupil's grandfather's home in the Ballykeel estate.

Billy McMaster spoke of how his grand-daughter loved going to football matches with her father, Geoff, to watch their favourite team, Harryville Homers.

Brooke's coffin was draped in the red and black flag of the local football club, with the cortège passing by Orkney Drive close to her home at Staffa Drive.

Laid to rest: 12 year old Brooke Reid McMaster who died in a house fire on the Ballykeel estate in Ballymena
Laid to rest: 12 year old Brooke Reid McMaster who died in a house fire on the Ballykeel estate in Ballymena Laid to rest: 12 year old Brooke Reid McMaster who died in a house fire on the Ballykeel estate in Ballymena

Mourners also heard how she was a "loving child".

It emerged last week that Brooke's bedroom was fitted with a childlock that may have prevented her from escaping the fatal fire.

Neighbours tried desperately to rescue her from the burning house, attempting to get through the front door of the house.

Brooke's heartbroken mother, Martha, described her as "my baby, my princess".

Brooke's heartbroken mother, Martha, is comforted by mourners at the funeral yesterday. Picture by Hugh Russell.
Brooke's heartbroken mother, Martha, is comforted by mourners at the funeral yesterday. Picture by Hugh Russell. Brooke's heartbroken mother, Martha, is comforted by mourners at the funeral yesterday. Picture by Hugh Russell.

Meanwhile, a fundraising page established to help the family had last night raised more than £8,500.

Family friend Dawn Walker said she had set up the page following the death of "such a beautiful young lady".

"It's no secret that this family have gone through so much and no parent this young should be losing another one of their beautiful babies," she said.

Members of Harryville Homers FC also attended yesterday's funeral service Picture By Hugh Russell.
Members of Harryville Homers FC also attended yesterday's funeral service Picture By Hugh Russell. Members of Harryville Homers FC also attended yesterday's funeral service Picture By Hugh Russell.

"I beg you all to dig deep and help raise some pennies so we can support Brooke's family in these hard times.

"The family have lost not only this gorgeous little lady but their home, belongings, and of course memories of young Brooke too."