Young Castledawson girl who died after being struck by car 'lived her life to the full', her funeral has heard

A young County Derry girl, who tragically lost her life after being struck by a car shortly after exiting a school bus, was passionate about style, make-up and travel and had 'lived her life to the full', her funeral has heard.

Caitlin-Rose McMullan, a year eight pupil at St Pius X College in Magherafelt, passed away after she was hit by a car after getting off the bus on the Hillhead Road, near Castledawson, shortly after 4pm on Wednesday.

The 11 year-old was laid to rest today (Sunday), following Requiem Mass in Church of St Mary in Bellaghy.

Hundreds of mourners filtered into the chapel as the young Castledawson girl's white coffin was carried in to Mark Ambor's song 'Belong Together'.

Before the Mass began, symbols of Caitlin-Rose's life were brought to the altar and placed alongside a pink floral tribute bearing her name.

Among the items was photographs, make-up, a teddy, Caitlin-Rose's passport and artwork which symbolised her creativity and love for school.

Officiating alongside Fr Paddy Doherty, Monsignor Andy Dolan said there was a 'deep sense of sadness and mourning' following Caitlin-Rose's tragic passing.

“Parents don't ever expect to bury their child and, likewise, grandparents would never be contemplating burying their children's children,” said Monsignor Dolan.

“Like so many of you here, we have all attended funerals, (Fr) Paddy (Doherty) and myself have officiated at funerals in a whole variety of situations, even within our own families, friends and colleagues, people who have touched our lives, but there is something profoundly sad about the death of a young person. Such an experience like we have today of a tragic death brings such shock and sadness within a community.”

Monsignor Dolan went on to say that Caitlin-Rose's death has affected so many people.

“It's worth highlighting today too that there are many people who you will never know, have never heard of, who have heard of what's happened Caitlin-Rose and therefore to yourselves as a family, and they're quietly praying for you in some corner this afternoon as well. Among those indeed is Bishop Donal McKeown, who messaged me earlier this morning and asked to pass on his prayerful condolences to you all,” he said.

“Today is a day of deep sadness and mourning but there is also a wee sense of gratitude in there too as I hear you speak about Caitlin-Rose and recalling the lovely times and the experiences you shared over those short number of years.

“We just pray today that the gift that is Caitlin-Rose and the precious memories will live out the pain that you experience in your hearts today.”

Monsignor Dolan said that the life symbols which were brought to the altar before the Mass captured the type of person Caitlin-Rose was.

“The girl wasn't into the football or the camogie, strange as it may seem,” he continued.

“No, for her it was style, she was big into style. It was travel, in fact if I were to list all the places in the world where she has been, believe it or not, it would sound as if I were calling out the map of the world.

“A love of style, a girl who had a flair and a taste for things artistic, a creative person, well known for her drawing and a particular speciality was animals.

“Make-up, shopping, spending money were passions of hers. All I can say is, looking back on my younger years, lucky girl.

“The gift that was Caitlin-Rose will be one that will continue to give precious memories. For those who had been at the wake, in her bedroom there is a collage of photographs on the wall depicting what I suppose I am trying to say about a short life lived to the full.”

Urging young people at the funeral to 'make good use of the time God has allotted you' and 'not to let anyone lead you astray', Monsignor Dolan added: “Caitlin will be forever young in God's presence. We can speculate about what she might have achieved, what life had held in store for her. Today allow ourselves to recognise that in God's hands she has now reached her full potential.”

Caitlin-Rose's remains were carried to her final resting place to 'If I die young', a song originally recorded by The Band Perry.