More than a thousand people gatherered in a small parish church in Co Meath this morning to mourn one of the five young girls killed in a school bus crash last Monday.
They gathered in and around the church in the small parish of Beauparc to accompany 17-year-old Deirdre on her last journey from the sunlit chapel.
The funeral of Deirdre Scanlon at the Church of the Assumption, Yellow Furze, Navan. Pic: Eric Luke
The funerals of four of the five girls are taking place today.
Dozens of sobbing students from Deirdre Scanlon's school, St Michael's Loreto in Navan, lined the short route from her family's cottage just yards away from the Church of the Assumption in Yellow Furze near Navan.
The close-knit community turned out to support Deirdre's parents Rose and Pete as they clung to each other, walking behind the coffin along with their late daughter's only sister Catríona.
Hundreds of people streamed into the church, filling the seats and lining the walls, while others gathered around the doorways.
Minister for Education Mary Hanafin, the President's representative Colonel Ray King, the Taoiseach's representative Commandant Michael Murray, fire fighters, representatives of Bus Éireann, an Assistant Garda Commissioner and Meath football manager Sean Boylan turned out to pay their respects.
Five candles burned on the altar in memory of the girls tragically killed in Monday's crash.
In a poignant homily, Father Peter Farrelly described the student, who was just weeks away from sitting her Leaving Certificate, as a true character.
Fr Farrelly told the community that Deirdre would be sorely missed by her two grandmothers, Catherine and Detta, with whom she spent a lot of time.
"The number of years is not the true measure of life," he said.
The congregation heard that Deirdre was an active member of the altar services, the local football club, the parish quiz team and the choir and folk group.
He said: "The caring extended to her school life where she was a prefect, part of a special team which took care of the younger ones."
He added: "She had the brains for the parish quiz team and the brawn for the sports field."
Fr Farrelly praised the parish for gathering in the Church of the Assumption on Monday night after the accident to pray for those killed and seriously wounded.
Bishop Michael Smith told Deirdre's family that, hopefully, the memories of the goodness of their daughter's life would in time help heal the loss.
The choir, made up of schoolchildren and members of the community, sang and a poignant Sinéad O'Connor song played as the community streamed into the cemetery.
Parish priest of Rosnaree, Fr John Brogan, said last night the small, overlapping circles of friends, family and relatives made this one of the most difficult times the community had ever faced.
Fr Brogan told mourners at Claire McCluskey's removal: "These girls were all born here, they were baptised here, went to school, got their Holy Communion and were confirmed here.
"They went to Mass in the same churches as the local community each week. Now they'll make their final journey from here as well."
Members of Claire's school, the Loreto Convent in Navan, along with the local football club and Red Cross, formed a guard of honour along the narrow laneway leading to the church last night.
Schools and many businesses in the town are closed today as a mark of respect during the four funeral services.
Bus Éireann staff were observing a minute's silence at midday as a mark of respect to the five girls. Books of condolence have been opened at bus stations across the country. A book of condolence has also been opened on the Diocese of Meath website.
The website also has full details of funeral arrangements today and tomorrow.
Aimee McCabe (15), will be buried tomorrow.