MOURNERS at the funeral of hit-and-run schoolboy Reece Meenan heard how he had made a "huge impression in his short life".
Hundreds of schoolchildren lined the streets in Portstewart in Co Derry on Tuesday as family, friends and team-mates gathered to say their final goodbyes to the 13-year-old.
The teenager's coffin was carried into the Star Of The Sea Church flanked by pupils from Loreto College, where he was a third year pupil.
Parish priest Fr Austin McGirr told mourners of how "so many hopes and dreams were cruelly ended" by the teenager's death in a hit-and-run in Co Derry on Saturday.
Reece was struck by a car on the Newbridge Road in Coleraine and later died in hospital.
A keen sportsman, Reece played Gaelic football for Eoghan Rua Coleraine and soccer for Bertie Peacocks Youth, as well as being a keen golfer.
Due to celebrate his 14th birthday next week, he was a member of Eoghan Rua under-14 squad which won last year’s Derry B championship and league.
Fr McGirr told mourners of how the teenager's "tragic and sudden death has left the family shocked and stunned".
"There was no preparation for this, no period of getting used to the idea of an early departure," he said.
"Reece made a huge impression in his short life.
"Seasoned golfers in Castlerock were reminded of a young Rory McIlroy when they saw him swing while knowledgeable football watchers saw a budding Stephen Gerard as wee Reece weaved his way through the opposition to win the Doherty Cup for St Colum's Primary, Portstewart.
"He was on the successful team all the way from P4 right up to P7 and went on to help Loreto win a regional soccer cup for Year 8 pupils.
"He impressed many with his exploits on the field of Eoghan Roe GAA.
"So many hopes and dreams were cruelly ended by a Saturday night road accident. So much talent and skill in such a young person."
Following Requiem Mass, the schoolboy was laid to rest afterwards at Agherton Cemetery.
A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was later released on police bail.
