Ballycastle Mourns Six-Year-Old Boy Killed in Farm Accident

Hundreds of mourners gathered at St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s Church in Ballycastle, County Antrim, on Tuesday to pay their respects to six-year-old Joe Hegarty, who tragically died in a quad bike accident on Friday, 16th August.

The funeral service was a poignant tribute to the young boy’s life, filled with memories of his infectious enthusiasm and love for sport. The family requested that attendees wear brightly coloured sports tops in honour of Joe’s passion for the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), a gesture that reflected the vibrant spirit he brought to everyone he met.

During the ceremony, Father Con Boyle, the officiating priest, spoke movingly about Joe’s zest for life. He described Joe as a boy who “lived in wonder at everything” and whose “joy was a gift to anyone who knew him.” Joe’s GAA jersey, hurling stick and helmet, tennis racket, and football were placed at the altar alongside his baptism blanket and a lit candle, symbolising his love for sport and the start of his journey in life.

Father Boyle highlighted Joe’s unwavering happiness, saying he “went from happiness here to greater happiness in the fullness of life with God.” He also reflected on the family’s strength in the face of this unimaginable loss. “You have been amazing in your reaching out to us,” he said, acknowledging the outpouring of support from the community. “We admire you and regard you and we want to support you and pray for you.”

The priest offered words of comfort, acknowledging the hardship ahead for Joe’s family. “We know that future days will be very hard and we can’t spare you those or lift them from you but I only hope that we, who gather with you today, will be there for you whenever and however you need us,” he said.

Joe was a beloved son to Andrea and Michael, a cherished brother to Katie, and a treasured grandson to Denise and Eamon McIlroy and Mary and Seamus Hegarty. His passing has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him, a testament to the immense love and joy he shared with everyone he encountered.