Funeral of tragic GAA teen hears he was a "light" in his family
Hundreds of mourners gathered today for the funeral of a popular teenager who died suddenly following a GAA training session earlier this week. Christopher Gavin (16), a talented GAA player from Westport, passed away at Mayo University Hospital on Tuesday. There were tearful scenes today at St Mary’s Church in Westport as the teenager's funeral heard he was “a light” in his family’s household. Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the Gavin family, including Christopher’s twin brother Michael, his parents Michael and Karen, and sisters Cathy and Emma. Items brought to the altar as symbols of Christopher’s life included a pair of football boots representing “his love for the game and the joy it brought him over the years, playing alongside Michael and all of their friends”. Christopher’s number 15 Westport GAA jersey was also brought up to the altar. Westport GAA announced earlier this week the number 15 jersey will not be worn for the remainder of this season as a mark of respect to Christopher and his family. Christopher's father Michael spoke at the funeral, telling mourners: "He was a light in our very full house. Quiet, but deadly funny in the right company. "He got on with everyone, laughed heartily every day. He loved Karen and myself, his sisters, his nephew and of course, his twin brother Michael. "Michael is a name that enters my head every time I speak about Chris. Inseparable, best friends. People have said to me over the last few days that you never see one without the other, whether it’s walking the dogs or heading to the pitch with their mates. "I hope we all, but especially Michael knows that Christopher lives on in all of us. As a son, I couldn’t have asked for any better and I was lucky to have three other great kids and a lovely grandson. Christopher, you’ll never leave my head. I’ll love you until my last breath. Sleep easy, my lad.” A guard of honour was formed for Christopher outside St Mary’s Church at the conclusion of the service. A Rice College Transition Year student, Christopher's death is deeply felt throughout Westport. Westport GAA Club released a heart-wrenching statement saying: "Our town of Westport, its schools and our GAA community woke today to the heartbreaking news that Christopher Gavin, one of our current GAA minor players, a dedicated teammate and a true friend to so many had passed away while in Mayo General Hospital early this morning." Further expressing their condolences, the club stated: "All of our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with the Gavin family at this tragic time. "As the twins' coaches, we are utterly lost for words to express how sad our whole GAA community is feeling right now for this immense loss. We extend to Chris' parents Karen and Mike, his sisters Cathy and Emma and his inseparable twin brother Michael, our heartfelt condolences as you and our community try to come to terms with this sudden and tragic news." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
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