Funeral tributes as hundreds line the streets to pay respects

BY NICOLA DONNELLY MOURNERS at the funeral of one of the five victims of a car crash yesterday heard he was a "gentle giant with a brave heart, gifted hands and a soul full of kindness".

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Alan McCluskey, 23, died with his girlfriend Chloe McGee, 23, pals Shay Duffy, 21, Dylan Commins, 23 and 21-year-old Chloe Hipson, 21, when their car in collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser on the L3168 in Co Louth on Saturday.

Hundreds of neighbours, friends and family lined the main street of Drumconrath, Co Meath, united in grief, to pay tribute to Alan.

Tractors with yellow and black "Alan, Forever 23" registration plates flanked the thoroughfare as Alan's grieving formed a guard of honour. As the cortege made its way to St Peter and Paul's Church, it was accompanied by Drumconrath GFC members.

President Catherine Connolly and representatives from the Government who attended the service were greeted by Chief Celebrant Fr Finian Connaughton as they entered the church.

Mourners were led by Alan's parents Martin and Bernie, sisters Sharon, Tracey and Kellie, brothers-in-law Conleth McAlinden and Alan Wall and wider family.

Fr Connaughton told the congregation: "Alan lived at home and I know he adored his father and his mother, Bernie and Martin. This was quite evident at home in the house, in the yard, or on the site.

"It was most clearly displayed here on a Sunday morning when he came here and sat between right up in the front seats.

TERRIBLE

"Sudden and unexpected death does terrible things to us.