Eoin Doyle's funeral set for Sept 8 after fatal Ballyhaunis train crash
The funeral for 12-year-old Eoin Doyle, who died in a train collision in Ballyhaunis, will take place on Sept 8 at St Patrick's Church, Cloonfad.
Eoin Doyle’s funeral set for Sept 8 after fatal Ballyhaunis train crash
The small town of Ballyhaunis will gather at St Patrick’s Church, Cloonfad, on Sept 8 for a funeral Mass at noon, followed by burial in Ballyhaunis Cemetery. The service will be streamed on the Donnellan Undertakers’ Facebook page, after the family’s viewing at Donnellan’s Funeral Home on Clare Street from 5 p.m. To 7 p.m. On Monday.
Media additions
What happened
At about 20:45 local time on Sept 3, a 6:15 p.m. Heuston‑to‑Westport train collided with a van at the user‑operated level crossing in Kiltybo, a few kilometres from Ballyhaunis. The boy, 12‑year‑old Eoin Doyle of Gurrane, was travelling with his father Declan when the impact occurred just before 9 p.m. Emergency crews arrived shortly after 8:45 p.m.; Eoin was pronounced dead at the scene while Declan was taken to hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries. All passengers on the train safely left the carriage, and the line remained closed for the majority of Friday until a technical examination by Garda Síochána was completed, reopening after 4 p.m.
Gardaí have appealed for any dash‑cam or other footage captured between 8:15 p.m. And 9:15 p.m. In the Kiltybo area, urging witnesses to contact Ballina Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.
Family and school tributes
Eoin was a sixth‑class pupil at Cloonfad National School. In a statement, principal Shane Morgan described him as “a talented artist and athlete, who loved music and a smile was never far from his face.”
"He was a talented artist and athlete, who loved music and a smile was never far from his face."
Shane Morgan, principal, via BBC
The school noted his “friendly and kind” nature and expressed that “Eoin will be dearly missed by his friends, and all the pupils and staff of Cloonfad NS.”
Sporting community’s grief
Ballyhaunis GAA club called Eoin “a talented young footballer” and “a wonderful young boy who was a great friend and teammate to so many within our club.” Cloonfad United FC called him “a tremendous athlete with terrific energy.” Both clubs suspended training sessions and all scheduled matches until further notice as a mark of respect.
"A talented young footballer and, above all, a wonderful young boy who was a great friend and teammate to so many within our club."
Ballyhaunis GAA Club, via Mirror
The tragedy struck just days after the community celebrated Mayo’s All‑Ireland senior football triumph on 26 July. The Sam Maguire Cup was brought to Ballyhaunis GAA on Thursday, where Eoin and his family were photographed with the trophy, adding a stark contrast between recent joy and sudden loss.
Local and political reactions
Fine Gael county councillor Alma Gallagher, a long‑time friend of the Doyle family, said the town had been “sent into a state of shock” and recalled that “nobody thought in their wildest dreams that such a tragedy was going to unfold.”
"When I heard, I felt utter shock and devastation."
Alma Gallagher, councillor, via Irish Times
Aontú deputy Paul Lawless, who lives near the crossing, called the incident “a horrible freak accident” and warned that the crossing “can be little more than traffic lights with gates that users open and shut and can be confusing for motorists who may not be familiar with it.” He urged a full review of safeguards.
"I can't recall such a fatal crash on a rail line ever happening here before. It is very rare in Ireland."
Paul Lawless, deputy, via Mirror
Irish Rail chief executive Mary Considine said the company’s “sincerest sympathies” were with the family and confirmed that a full investigation was under way, thanking the emergency services, Gardaí and rail staff for their professionalism.
"Incidents like these are extremely difficult for all involved."
Mary Considine, chief executive, via RTÉ
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien described the crash as “awful news” and reiterated that the investigation was being led jointly by An Garda Síochána and rail safety investigators.
"A full investigation is taking place right now, both through An Garda Síochána and our rail safety investigators as well."
Darragh O’Brien, minister, via Irish Times
Parish perspective
Fr Stephen Farragher, parish priest of Ballyhaunis, said the community was coping with an “air of shock and sadness.” He recounted saying prayers with Eoin at the scene and noted a “noticeable increase in the numbers attending Mass” the following morning, with many people lighting candles even if they did not normally attend church.
"It's the kind of thing you hope you won't be hearing on the news and you hope it won't be visited on your own community."
Fr Stephen Farragher, via RTÉ
The priest also reflected on the recent Sam Maguire Cup visit, saying the trophy had been at the club “last Thursday” and that “the little boy and his family were photographed with Sam Maguire.” He described the Doyle family as “very known, loved” in the area.
Who is mourning
Eoin’s death notice listed his parents Declan and Elaine Doyle, his twin sister Saoirse, step‑brother Conor, grandparents Pat and Marguerite Doyle and Ger and Mary Corcoran, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. The community described the family as “involved in the farming community, involved with Ballyhaunis GAA” and said the loss felt like “a devastation for us all.”
What comes next
Gardaí continue to seek witnesses, and investigators from the rail safety board will examine the crossing’s design and signalling. The 14:
