The four-year-old boy who was killed along with his mother, grandmother and aunt in a six-vehicle collision in Co Tipperary last Thursday was buried with his mother yesterday.
Robert Downes was laid to rest with his mother, Mrs Mary Downes (31), in a large wooden casket.
His grandmother, Mrs Mary Dalton (71), and his aunt, Mrs Kathleen Quish (47), who were from Glockamara, near Mitchelstown in north Cork, were also laid to rest in a joint ceremony yesterday.
The four were killed in the horrific car crash on the main Cork to Dublin road at Kilcoran Lodge when the car they were travelling in collided with a lorry shortly before 8 a.m.
The accident happened on a straight, wide stretch of road about three miles south of Cahir, Co Tipperary. The road takes Dublin- and Cork-bound traffic and acts as a bypass for the town.
The family members were on their way to Dublin Zoo for a treat for Robert and his seven-year-old brother Con, who was the only survivor.
All four victims were laid to rest after Requiem Mass at their local church in Ballindargan yesterday.
In a short sermon the curate, Father Robin Morrissey, told mourners they would have to bond together to help the family through their grief.
"Why? That is the question we're faced with when a tragedy like this happens.
"The heart of the community has been torn out the community. Every one of us is left wondering why when they were setting out on a day in such a sudden manner. One minute they were there and the next they were gone.
"The only thing the Christian community can do now is to support the family in this terrible hour of darkness and sadness," said Father Morrissey.
Earlier, Father Morrissey described the family's grief and shock. "They aren't just in shock - they are numbed. Only after the funeral is complete can they begin the long and painful process of healing.
"Everyone in the community feels the pain and sense of loss," he added.
In nearby Mitchelstown, in a show of solidarity the local shop owners and larger retailers all closed their doors during the funeral.
The action was agreed by Mitchelstown Community Council and Mitchelstown Business Association as mark of respect to the families.
Capt Micheal Treacy represented the President, Mrs McAleese, and high-ranking members of Cork and Tipperary Garda divisions were also present.
Members of Mitchelstown Fire Brigade were present as one of their number, Mr Bob Dalton, had lost his mother and two sisters in the tragic collision.
Workers at the local Dairygold factory, where Mrs Downes had taken redundancy three weeks beforehand so she could spend more time with her family, also attended.
Following Mass, the remains of the four victims were taken in a cortege to Mitchelstown's New Cemetery, where they were laid to rest.
Two other victims in the crash were still being treated in hospital yesterday.
Con Downes remains in a critical but stable condition in Cork University Hospital's intensive care unit and one of the truck drivers is in a stable condition.
Gardaí are continuing their investigation into the cause of the collision.