23-06-2025
Carlow teenager who died after getting into difficulty swimming remembered for beautiful smile
A teenager who died after getting into difficulty swimming was remembered as the boy with the 'beautiful smile' who if 'love could have saved him he would have lived forever,' mourners heard at his Requiem Mass.
Peter Byrne, 17, from Dolmen Gardens, Carlow, had been swimming with a when he got into difficulty around 6.30pm in the river in the Milford area of the county on Tuesday of last week.
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The teenager and a friend had decided to go swimming at Cloghristick, Milford when tragedy struck.
While in the river, the student's friend saw him struggling in the water and tried to help him. However, as he tried to help, he was being sucked downwards due to strong river currents.
Eventually he managed to swim to safety and raise the alarm. gardaí and emergency services from Carlow town were quickly on the scene.
The teenager's body was recovered by garda divers several hours later.
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The teenager had been a student at St Mary's Academy CBS secondary school in Carlow town.
Shortly before 10am, his friends formed a guard of honor wearing white T-shirts with a memory of the teenager printed on them.
His oak coffin carrying his remains was brought into the Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow town as the strains of Coldplay's Yellow echoed out from a soloist as mourners gathered inside.
Fr Thomas O'Byrne parish priest and administrator of the Cathedral of the Assumption, in his homily said to the congregation that everyone was gathering in faith. 'There are no words this morning, There are no words that any of us have but what we do have is one another. We are weighed down by the death of Peter.'
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Fr O'Byrne continued: 'Maybe what Jesus said to us in the gospel, trust and have faith like the official who is faced with a crisis in their home. He turned to Jesus, this morning we turn to Jesus.
"We join with Antoinette, Stephen and Dermot and the whole family. Our wish would be for a replication of what happened in the story of the gospel, that Jesus would take Peter back and hand him back to his parents and to his friends but that is not going to happen this morning.
'We question we wonder why these things happen. We sometimes feel what's the point. Although we feel at times like giving up Jesus is the one who walks with us, he travels with us.
"He does not give up. Antoinette and Stephen, Dermot, Margaret, Kellie-Anna, Erin, Scott and Quintan, the Lord is going to walk with you. So many people have gathered to be with us and the Lord is with you and walking with you.
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'To Peter's friends, his soul mates, the Lord is walking with you at all. Don't give up, the Lord is saying, I am walking with you. What he is saying to each one of you today: be not afraid, have faith. Do not be afraid, don't give up, have faith, I am the truth and I am the light is what Jesus says to us.'
Symbols of Peter's life were brought to the altar by close friends as his grandmother Anne explained what the items meant to her grandson.
The teenager's pool cue, his hair dryer, his man-bag and a football jersey were represented how he lived his life.
Two of Peter's school friends in their eulogies said that they 'do not believe today should be a day of sadness. In the CBS (St Mary's Academy CBS Secondary School) we had to have had the funniest times of life.
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My best friend, my brother, losing you feels like I have lost a part of myself. Your beautiful smile (will always be remembered), nothing couldn't be solved with a game of pool. Even after a late night, (he was) up at the crack of dawn making pudding and eggs'.
His uncle Bert or Ba recounted how his nephew had many names. 'Little Petie, he was proudly named after his grand-dad Peter. He cared (so much about) his appearance, his hair and teeth. He cared for everybody, but especially for his twin Quinnie (Quintan), They shared a special bond like no other. We all loved you so much Peter and that love will never fade. If love could have saved you Peter you would have lived for ever'.
Burial took place after his hour-long funeral Mass in St Mary's Cemetery, Carlow.
