Mourners in Feakle were told yesterday that the sudden and tragic death of four-year-old Karl Fox had brought a darkness over the east Clare village that made it difficult to rest or sleep.
Addressing the congregation at Karl's funeral at St Mary's church in Feakle, parish priest Fr Michael Hogan said Karl's family "are experiencing more than the rest of us, a darkness and pain at the tragic death of the son and brother whom they love".
Karl died in a freak accident at Feakle national school on Tuesday afternoon. At his "funeral Mass of the angels" yesterday, his school principal, Ted Harrington, told mourners: "We're all heartbroken, everyone here in the church is bereaved and we are suffering the heartbreak, the crushed heartbreak of losing Karl. Life changes in minutes and how we deal with that life-change is important."
Addressing Karl's parents, Noel and Linda, brothers Gavin and Philip and sisters, Claire and Allana, Mr Harrington said: "The community here will reach out to you over the coming days, weeks and months to share some of the burden."
Fr Hogan said the people of Feakle had come together "to acknowledge, honour and celebrate the short but vibrant life of a young, smiling, adventurous, curious, loving and lovely boy".
At the Mass were students from Tulla secondary school, Flagmount national school and from Feakle national school, including Karl's 13 classmates from junior infants.
Fr Hogan continued: "Karl loved life, loved his cars, loved his tractor, his bike and his hurley and dare I say this and revealing a family secret, his soothers."
For a four-year-old, "Karl was particularly curious; would ask questions of teachers and even if the answers were not satisfactory would continue to ask another question or two or three. He brought light and life wherever he was."
Fr Hogan told the Foxes that "the community too feel the pain and the darkness and wish to share the family's pain and, if possible, lighten the darkness of your pain and intense grief".
The congregation heard that President Mary McAleese had sent her sympathy. "This tragedy has caught the attention of media, local and national, we appreciate your interest, concern and support".
After Mass, Karl's body was removed to Dublin for cremation.
