‘We love you to the moon and back’ – tributes at funeral of Kedagh Moore (16), who was killed in hit-and-run

Kedagh Moore was walking at Blackwood near his home at Graigues, Robertstown in Co Kildare just after midnight in the early hours of Sunday morning when he was struck by a vehicle that failed to stop.

At the Church of Our Lady and Saint Joseph in Prosperous, Kedagh's schoolfriends from Scoil Mhuire in Clane, and members of Clane United's Under 17 premier team, formed guards of honour.

The crowd of mourners was so large that many had to remain outside as they listened to his mother Glenda and sister Sadhbh pay emotional tributes to the boy they said they will love forever.

Sadhbh and Glenda, and Kedagh's father John, held each other as they followed his coffin into the church.

"Over the past week, we as a family and community have been so cruelly reminded that at any minute, your life can change between one breath and another. The song can stop, and everything thereafter can be so different," said Glenda in her tribute.

"Kedagh's song began on the 12th of July, 2008 when John and I welcomed our precious baby boy into this world. Kedagh Sean Moore, seven pounds, six ounces of pure perfection, embodying pure love and the hopes and dreams of his mammy and daddy, and his little sister Sadhbh at home. And Kedagh never disappointed.

"As his mam and dad, John and I were honoured to support his enthusiasm for growth and learning, his fabulous sense of curiosity and creativity, his adventurous spirit, his wonderful good humour.

"And for us to witness his gentle, kind nature unfold, and for him in taking his place in this world. To see the beautiful bond that Kedagh shared with his dear sister is something John and I will forever cherish."

Glenda outlined all the walks and outings around the country that the family had shared together as Kedagh's love of the outdoors flourished.

"Both Kedagh and Sadhbh would say to me many times: 'Mammy, there's not a county in Ireland we haven't slept in or explored'," said Glenda.

"Kedagh loved his music, and was so excited for the upcoming gigs of BLK in December and Hannah Laing in April, which he had just recently purchased his tickets for. The quicker the beat, the faster the dancing. And we all know Kedagh had rhythm and the moves, which he so enjoyed."

Addressing Kedagh's friends, who wore black suits with bright ties, and supported each other through their grief, Glenda said: "So boys. You now need to keep dancing. You need to keep moving, and you need to continue to care and mind each other as we go on.

"Kedagh, we thank you, as we did every day, for you just being you. We always reminded you of the immense pride we shared in having you as our dear and wonderful son. You always knew that you mattered. You always knew you were so important and special to us. You brought to this world things and gifts that no one else can. We love you to the moon and back."

Sadhbh paid an emotional tribute to her little brother.

"There are many things I love about you. How you were always there to listen to my silly problems, my stories and our conversation at the end of the days. Even though Mam and Dad would call to tell you to go to bed because it's a school night, you would pretend to walk back to your room but come back to me to finish that conversation," Sadhbh told mourners.

"I knew you were always there for me. Even if you didn't tell me that every day, it reflected in your actions and the way you would listen. Kedagh, you were never the loudest in the room, but I will admit now you are extremely funny. We would always have a good laugh with each other."

Sadbh also spoke of her memory of being on holidays in Italy, and taking late walks with her brother by a lake.

"I'm not sure where we ended up, but it was so cool to us. Kedagh, I will always walk with you by my side. I love you," she said.

Burial took place after requiem mass in St Benignus Cemetery, Staplestown.

Marin Silaghi, with an address at Ballybrittas, Portlaoise, Co Laois, appeared before Athy District Court on Tuesday charged with hit-and-run, and failing to stop at the scene with the intention of evading liability where a death resulted.

He was remanded in custody and the court heard further charges are likely.