Tears and tributes for TJ... 'A leader whose radiant smile touched the hearts not only of the whole parish, but of the whole nation'

Bohermeen Church was full to overflowing yesterday morning (Tuesday) for the funeral of TJ McDonnell, the 19 year old who was killed in a hit-an-run collision near Kells last Tuesday.

The popular teenager was described as a leader "whose radiant smile touched the hearts not only of the whole parish, but of the whole nation," by Fr Andy Doyle at the funeral Mass in St Ultan's Church.

"TJ was a leader with loads of energy, gifts and talents who brought the best out of everyone he met, who brought fun and enjoyment into the lives of so many people. He touched so many lives and made people feel special. He was an amazing young man who inspired us," he said.

Before the funeral, a guard of honour was provided by TJ’s broken-hearted Bohermeen teammates at the McDonnell family home before travelling the short distance to St Ultan's Church.

The cortège stopped at Derek Brady Park, named after another Bohermeen man who died far too young, with friends wearing the club jersey helping to carry his coffin. From there guards of honour were provided by members of Bohermeen FC, St Ultan’s GAA and LGFC and staff and friends at Causey Farm where TJ was a much loved team member. Pupils and teachers from Bohermeen NS, beside St Ultan’s Church also silently lined the yard where TJ himself once played as a child. Students from St Patrick's Classical School in Navan also joined the guard of honour.

Fr Doyle recalled the balloon release ceremony at Derek Brady Park last Thursday. "There were 500 to 600 people on the pitch standing together in the rain with Paul Aishling, Ryan, Paul Jr, Katie and Hollie-Rose. When all the balloons were released and floated up into the heavens, there was a real sense of presence. It was as if two arms were wrapped around us all. Who else but TJ could bring the parish together like that."

A cloud of shock and grief has gripped the local community since the news of the popular teenager's death last Tuesday evening. TJ died following a collision involving a van and a bicycle at Nugentstown at approximately 8.05pm that night.

He was out cycling with a friend, training for an Ironman, when the incident occurred and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

There were emotional scenes in Bohermeen Celtic's ground, Derek Brady Park, last Thursday evening when family, clubmates, neighbours and friends of TJ released balloons in the club colours in his memory in his memory.

A past student of Bohermeen NS and St Patrick's Classical School, Navan, TJ was a keen cyclist, played soccer with Bohermeen Celtic and Gaelic football with St Ultan's GAA club.

"TJ was a huge part of the Bohermeen Celtic family," the club stated. "His journey with the club began as a young player at under-eight level and continued right through the age groups to youths and senior football. Throughout those years, TJ made countless memories, friendships and connections that will remain part of the fabric of our club.

"His contribution to Bohermeen Celtic went far beyond playing. TJ was an active and valued member of our Academy coaching group, giving his time, enthusiasm and knowledge to help the next generation of players. He was hugely popular with the Academy kids, who looked up to him and loved having TJ around the club. His natural warmth, patience and ability to connect with young players were clear for all to see.

"It was fitting that TJ had a bright future ahead of him in teaching. The qualities that made him such a popular figure among our Academy players - his kindness, encouragement, patience and genuine interest in others - would have made him an exceptional teacher. We have no doubt that he would have made a lasting and positive difference in the lives of many young people.

"TJ was also a familiar and much-loved face on the sidelines, regularly present at games supporting our various BCFC teams and encouraging others within the club. His passion for football, his commitment to Bohermeen Celtic and, most importantly, the person he was will never be forgotten. He leaves behind a lasting legacy within our club and in the hearts of the many people fortunate enough to have known him.

The Murtagh family of Causey Farm, where TJ worked also paid tribute.

"Everyone at Causey Farm is broken-hearted at the tragic passing of TJ McDonnell. TJ was an uplifting and fearless all-rounder who brightened the day of everyone he met. Out of all the wonderful young people who have worked at Causey, TJ’s positive and accommodating attitude always stood out. Whether driving a tractor around the farm or winning Scare Actor of the Year at Farmaphobia, TJ was most famous for that infectious smile of his. Once he was smiling, everyone else soon was too. There was no job at Causey that TJ wasn’t willing to do but his role working with children as a gifted tour leader was perhaps when that famous smile shone brightest.

"His classic answer when asked to do anything was ‘yeah, that’s no bother’. He made connections with everyone, no matter how young or old and inspired people to be the best they could be, never failing to push himself to give and get the maximum from every moment."

A GoFundMe page has been set up for TJ's family, to help with expenses, which has raised over €65,000 to date.

"TJ was doing something he loved, working towards a goal he was passionate about, when his life was suddenly and tragically stolen," said Gayle Costello, who set up the fundraiser.

"TJ was so much more than an incredibly fit and driven young man. He was a son, a brother, a nephew, a teammate and someone who brought light and positivity wherever he went. Those who knew him knew his huge smile, his energy, his kindness and the way he made everyone around him feel.

"In such an unimaginably difficult time, we are setting up this GoFundMe to help TJ’s family with the costs of his funeral and to ease some of the financial burden they now face while they grieve the loss of their beloved son and family member. No family should have to face the loss of their child in such sudden and devastating circumstances."

TJ is survived by his parents, Paul and Aishling; brothers, Ryan and Paul Jr; sisters, Katie and Hollie-Rose; godparents, Marie and Mark; aunts, uncles, Vanessa, Ellie, cousins, work colleagues in Causey Farm, the Murtagh family, relatives and his large circle of friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Esther and Terry Larkin, and Jim and Rose McDonnell, and uncles Phil and Joe McDonnell.

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Gardaí have confirmed that a man in his 30s was arrested and held at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region. He has since been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).