A young man who died after a tree fell on his car during Storm Éowyn last week “knew how to enjoy life and was not afraid to be himself”, his funeral Mass has heard.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St Patrick’s Church in Lifford, Co Donegal on Thursday to pay tribute to Kacper Dudek, who was fatally injured in the early hours of last Friday during the weather event.
The 20-year-old, who was born in Poland and moved to Co Donegal with his parents Artur and Katarzyna as a toddler, was remembered as someone full of joy, passion and love.
Chief celebrant Fr Ignacy Saniuta said Mr Dudek was “interested in the history of Poland” and proud of his heritage and who he was.
“Kacper loved to spend time with his family and his special relationships with his younger brother (Karol) and sister (Weronika) were very important to him,” he said.
He said another of Mr Dudek’s loves was his girlfriend Molly, a letter from whom, written prior to his death, was read to the congregation during the service.
“I am content knowing I’ve met the love of my life, the man I am going to marry and have our babies with and grow old with,” she said.
“I promise I will always be with you and if I had my way I would live in your pocket so I could be with you at all times.”
Fr Saniuta said Mr Dudek was a person “full of energy, passion and joy”.
“He knew how to enjoy life and was not afraid to be himself, sometimes breaking the rules and never ashamed to be different,” he added.
A guard of honour was formed before the service by Mr Dudek’s colleagues from Zeus Industrial Products in Letterkenny; students from his former secondary school, Holy Cross College in Strabane; and members of Sion Swifts Football Club. Many of those in attendance brought white roses in Mr Dudek’s memory.
The offertory gifts included a Barcelona FC shirt, aftershave, and a plush dog teddy, which had been a cherished childhood toy.
Fr Saniuta said Mr Dudek’s sudden departure leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family and friends, but he will never be forgotten.
His remains were brought to Lakelands Crematorium in Co Cavan following the Mass.
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