The late Michael McErlain Tralee was once again plunged into mourning, following the death of a 17-year-old. Michael McErlain, Drumraymond, Manor West, Tralee was killed when he crashed into a street light. The incident occurred near Balloonagh School on the Tralee to Ardfert Road. Another passenger was taken to hospital, but was released later that day. Michael was the eldest son of Seamus (James) and Marie McErlain, who run Kingdom Communications shop near Argos in Tralee, and has two brothers Jamie and Brendan. The youth, who was in his final year at Brookfield College in Tralee, would have been sitting his Leaving Cert this June. Students and teachers at the school expressed their sadness and huge loss at a great student and friend. "Michael was a fine young man with his whole future ahead of him and all the staff and students at Brookfield are stunned at the news of Michael's death," said Principal Elisha Dowling. Tears flowed freely at Michael's funeral in St John's Church on Sunday morning. A guard of honour was formed by his team mates from Kerins O'Rahillys Club where he has played since he was 10. The club and his fellow team-mates on the minor team were stunned at Michael's tragic death. The familiar blue and white colours were evident at the funeral mass and the club flag was placed over the coffin as it made its way to Rath Cemetery where he was laid to rest. His school friends also formed a guard of honour in memory of their friend and many carried single red roses and wept as his remains were shouldered from St John's Church. The huge crowd that attended the mass was evidence of the 17-year-old's popularity. He was described as a fantastic young lad who had everything going for him. David Murphy, a close companion of the young man, described him as a wonderful friend who always saw the funny side of things and was ready to listen. "Your friendship means so much to me, from the first time I met you in secondary school you have always been a true friend." Michael was passionate about technology and many of his close friends described him as gifted in this field and he worked closely beside his father in their shop from a very young age. Another passion was football and he wore the number 8 jersey with pride and was a well loved team-mate at Kerins O'Rahillys and described as a fine player. Michael was also described as a kind and caring young man who anybody would be proud to have as a son and he was a great help to his mother looking after his brother Jamie, who has special needs. The 17-year-old is the third person to die on Kerry roads in just three weeks and the second in Tralee town. Tunji Olatunji, a 14-year-old, died on November 11 after he was struck by an articulated truck while walking to school near the Clash Roundabout and 32-year-old Martha Fitzgerald died on November 27 when her car veered off the road at Laharn, a few miles outside Killorgin, at 3.05am on Saturday morning. Martha's car mounted a ditch and went over on its side. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Courtesy of The Kerryman 8 December 2005 Tweet

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