A family-only funeral will be held for a tragic Offaly teenager who was killed in a road accident last Friday night.
Aoife Doyle Scully, 14, died after she was struck by a jeep in Clara, Co Offaly.
The teen was out walking on the R436 Clara to Ballycumber road in the Erry area when the tragedy occurred at around 7.30pm. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
She is survived by her parents, Oonagh Scully and Damien Doyle, and her grandparents, Ricey and Mary Scully and Pat and Kay Doyle.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, Aoife's funeral will not be open to members of the public, however, mourners will be able to pay their respects online.
A family-only Funeral Mass will be held for Aoife in St. Brigid's Church, Clara on Thursday morning at 11am.
Burial will take place afterwards in the monastery cemetery, Clara. Family flowers only.
A notice on RIP.ie reads: "Due to the Covid19 outbreak and in the interest of public safety the Funeral Mass and burial is for family only.
"If you wish you can leave condolences on the online page below. Funeral Mass will be broadcast on YouTube on Thursday morning at 11am."
A link to watch the broadcast will be provided on RIP.ie.
Aoife’s uncle, Ronan Scully has paid tribute to his “beautiful” niece, praising her joy, energy and fighting spirit.
The heartbroken uncle wrote on Facebook their communities are “very saddened, down-hearted and very upset places tonight for the sad passing of our beautiful niece, daughter, granddaughter, cousin and friend and young teen, 14-year-old Aoife Doyle Scully".
He added: “Aoife, somewhere in the early morning of eternity you are running free on the words of tomorrow with your beautiful smile shining brightly as ever.
"Loosed from the bonds of earth; unchained from all that bound you here. The years together were too brief.”
Addressing Aoife, Ronan added: “You brought Joy, Energy, Imagination, Beauty, Friendship, Perseverance, Brilliance, Courage, Strength, Fighting Spirit, Family, Success, Served valiantly for Girls, Women and Human Rights, Passion and whispered Hope.
“You carry now, no burden, no chain, no disease, no pain, no lack of rights nor bond to hold you. You carry only the warmth and the love of those who cared.
“So run free Aoife, and your fellow family members, friends and loved ones who went before you, and open your arms and touch the clouds and dance with the morning sun and know that even in our tears we celebrate with you as you enjoy Heaven and bid you good journey till we meet again.”
