A young man who died alongside his girlfriend in a two-car crash on New Year's Eve was remembered as an earnest, hard worker who was close to his family.
Shane Gilchrist, 23, from Castlepollard, Co Westmeath, and his girlfriend Saoirse Corrigan, 21, died in the collision on the N52 outside Kells, Co Meath, last week.
He was laid to rest at St Michael's Church in Castlepollard on Thursday.
His funeral mass heard that Mr Gilchrist was a hard worker, keen sportsman and dedicated son.
Parish priest Fr Patrick Moore said: "It was in the community college that his love for carpentry flourished. He was a proud goalie on the local hurling team as well.
"He grew into a very reliable, earnest worker. He was totally dedicated and never missed a day from work.
"He was also keen in the sporting world. He had a deep bond with his parents and with his siblings and grandparents.
"He was very well-liked in the community which has shown its affection and sense of loss at this poignant time.
"He was also bonded with his girlfriend Saoirse who is making this journey to God with him, all too tragically and too soon."
Fr Moore said three communities were plunged into grief following the horrific crash that claimed three lives.
He said: "Our dear Shane is gone too soon from us.
"For a young person to die is a tragedy. It is unnatural and out of kilter.
"Grandparents and parents shouldn't have to experience the death of a child. It is a reversal of nature.
"Yet nature does this to us. It tears into a community deeply when a young person loses life in accidents or other ways.
"It rips the heart out of families and parishes as it has done here. Three parishes in the hinterland were plummeted into grief and shock and unbelief.
"We think of Saoirse as well as Shane and Julie Kehoe, the other victim of the accident, gone too soon."
Gifts including a hurl, airpods, a hammer and a photograph of Mr Gilchrist with his girlfriend Saoirse were brought to the altar to represent his life.
Mr Gilchrist is survived by his parents Trisha and David, siblings Luke, Bryan, Peter and Emma, grandparents Johnny, Maureen, George and Imelda, and extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Joey.
Mr Gilchrist's partner Saoirse's funeral took place at at St John The Baptist Church in Whitehall, Co Westmeath on Wednesday.
The other victim of the crash, mum-of-three Julie Kehoe, was also laid to rest on Thursday.
Her funeral took place at St. Patrick's Church, Craanford, Co Wexford and she was buried in the adjoining cemetery.
Ms Kehoe is survived by her mother Geraldine, partner Dessie Heery, children Jack, Grace and Hannah, siblings and extended family.
