The Late Kevin Donnellan Thousands attended the funeral at the weekend of car accident victim Kevin Donnellan who earlier in the week lost his life on the Caltra-Ahascragh road at Clonbrock when his car struck a tree. He was killed instantly as he drove to work with a local construction firm. Kevin (18) of Carnacopple, Mountbellew, had completed his Leaving Certificate at Mountbellew Vocational School in 2006. His remains reposed at his home and later at the Franciscan Oratory Chapel before being removed to St Mary's Church, Mountbellew. Students, parents and staff of Mountbellew Vocational School formed a guard of honour along with members of the Mountbellew-Moylough Hurling Club and Mountbellew Vintage Club, who lined the route on the way to the church. Kevin's remains were received by Rev Fr Paddy Costello, Mountbellew, Very Rev Fr Christy McCormack PP, Fohenagh, Rev Fr Sean Cunningham CC, Tuam and Rev Fr Tommy Conway, missionary and Newbridge. The burial took place in the new cemetery in Mountbellew after concelebrated Mass of the resurrection. The concelebrants included Rev Fr Tommy Conway, Newbridge (Chief celebrant), Rev Fr Paddy Costello, Mountbellew, Rev Fr M Donnelly CC, Caltra, Rev Fr Pat Moclair, missionary and Newbridge, Rev Fr Jimmy Devine, Dublin and Lowville, Rev Fr PJ Mannlow, missionary and Moylough, Very Rev Fr Christy McCormack PP, Fohenagh, Rev Fr Pat Connaughton CC, Galway and Ballinlass, and Rev Fr J Garvey CC, Ballinasloe. In the homily of the Mass, Fr Conway spoke of Kevin's great relationship with his family, his relationship with God, his love of farming and his car. He called on Kevin's family to look back on his action-packed life and the priest tendered sympathy of all present to the family and friends. The family and friends were involved in the readings. Prayers of the faithful, the offertory procession and the ceremony were enriched by the music and the song of the church adult choir. At the end of the mass the Principal of Mountbellew Vocational School, Mattie Kilroy spoke of Kevin's special smile, of his kindness, honesty, respect and reliability. He recalled his love of fun or "the craic" as he might say himself. He spoke of Kevin's leadership at school as a prefect, and in fundraising for charities. He recalled Kevin's leadership in the local No Name Club, his participation in the Share a Dream project and the activities of the local Vintage Club. Fr Conway said Kevin had died in the "springtime of his life" but he had packed a lot into those 18 years. The priest called on Kevin's family to be proud of him and to pray to him. The funeral cortege made its way to the graveyard on the Tuam road as people waited along the pavements to pay their respects. Guards of honour from the No Name Clubs around the country were led by the national officer Anthony McCormack (President) and Eamon Doyle (Sec). As they paid their respects friends, neighbours and the Vintage Club again lined the route. He is survived by his father Mattie, mother Ann, brother Noel, sisters Lisa, Tanya and Ann Marie, brother-in-law Paul, nephew Shane, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many friends. There was a very large and representative attendance on both days. Courtesy of the Tuam Herald 26th July 2007 Tweet

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