A beloved six-year-old lad met a tragic end in a mishap in Co Antrim, leaving many to remember him fondly for his unending curiosity, thrill for life, and intrepid spirit.
Joseph, widely known as Joe Hegarty, was the victim of a quad bike accident last Friday, which led to his untimely demise. His funeral saw a large turnout, with many attendees at St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s Church in Ballycastle opting to don vibrant sports attire as a tribute to the little boy’s love for sports and everything bright and colourful.
Joe left behind his dear parents, Andrea and Michael, as well as a sister named Katie. During his funeral Mass, Fr Con Boyle made a heart-rending remark about how swiftly Joe was “snatched away from us” while he was spending time on a farm with his mates.
Various symbols representing Joe’s life journey were presented at the altar, such as his number 26 football shirt, hurling gear, tennis equipment, and football.
Remembered by many for his infectious energy, Joe was a colorful character who had a talent for making everyone laugh. He was also an active pupil of St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s Primary School in Ballycastle and showed promise as a sportsman, playing for Carey Faughs Hurling Club and Naomh Padraig GAA Club.
A friend of the family recalled Joe as a “natural dynamo”, leaving a lasting imprint on everyone he met. He described Joe’s all-embracing approach to friendships and his cherished relationships with his family, notably the Hegartys and McIlroys, and with Carey Faughs, his most adored team.
The lively youngster was not only a delightful presence but also adored by parents Andrea and Michael. Lauded as a blessing to his parents, Joe was remembered as a young boy who reciprocated his parents’ love wholeheartedly.
Joe derived an enduring bond with his sister Katie, making the perfect pair – an unyielding tie that forever defines Katie’s essence, as she continues to hold Joe deep within her spirit. Joe was a lovely grandchild, nephew, cousin, and associate to many.
Joe’s company was cherished by all, and as we grapple with our desolation, our collective responsibility is to recount the hilarious moments that Joe and we had enjoyed. It was a deeply sad privilege being asked to represent Joe Hegarty in today’s discussion.
The entire situation seems unfair, and the anguish seemingly impossible to conquer at the moment, yet I will strive to represent Joe to the best of my abilities. Joe led his life with an unending zeal, curiosity and bravery – a young hero to Andrea and Michael.
Joe’s honesty could be seen in how he quizzed when he didn’t know something, a trait that all must adopt. Joe never insinuated his deep affection, instead, he ensured to verbalise it and demonstrate it. This should serve as a model for us to follow.
Joe was a relentless fighter, never accepting defeat. Whenever a task remained unfinished, he doubled his efforts. That is the spirit we should embrace. People including his classmates, teachers and his team were present with Joe’s kin at the funeral that was held on Tuesday.
Fr Con Boyle recalled that the dreadful Friday was like another holiday for Joe where he was spending time with his comrades on a farm. Overflowing with his characteristic vigour and perpetual excitement, Joe was abruptly taken away from us due to an unfortunate accident, leaving everyone in deep sorrow.
Sympathy abundantly flows for Andrea, Michael, and Katie, in addition to Joe’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins among the McIlroy and Hegarty clans, who were all significantly attached to him.
The accident seems impossible to fathom. As we tread along the path of this harrowing tragedy collectively, we sadly remember the last conversation that he had with his parents over lunch on that fateful Friday. His father’s love-laden words resounding in his ears were the last thing he heard. – PA.