The scene of the fatal crash in which Luke Lynch and Ronan Melarkey tragically lost their lives.
A LOCAL priest has made an emotional road safety appeal in a bid to end the almost daily devastation and heartbreak that fatal car crashes inflict on communities and families.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St Mary’s Church in Newtownbutler on Friday morning for the funeral of Luke Lynch while his best friend Ronan Melarkey was laid to rest the following afternoon.
Fr Michael King PP described the tragedy as “every parent’s nightmare”.
He said: “Two of our most popular young men lost their lives in the horrific accident. Since last Sunday, it almost feels that there is a cloud hanging over this parish and community. We all feel a sense of hopelessness, loss and not knowing what to do next – we are in a sense traumatised by the whole thing.
“It’s no consolation to say that this has happened to other families in this parish before and in many other homes around the country down the years. To say that certainly doesn’t lighten the cross we are carrying – a cross that was forced upon us and one that we have to come to terms with.
“At times like this words really fail us. They sound so hollow. We are at a loss as to what to say or to do. Luke had his two best friends with him in the car – they never went anywhere without each other. I’m sure they often talked about the future and always looked on the bright side of life.
“Last Sunday everything came to an end when the tragic accident brought about the deaths of Luke and his best friend Ronan and serious injuries to Conan.”
In his address to the large congregation, Fr King also reminded people of the need to take care on our roads.
“What the Lynch and Melarkey families are suffering is every parent’s nightmare and sadly it’s being repeated in every home almost every day.
“It’s a reminder to us all of how careful and watchful we need to be on our roads today so that this heartbreak can be prevented in other communities and homes,” added Fr King.
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