Funeral of boy (5) killed in farm accident

The funeral took place yesterday of a five-year-old boy who died as a result of an accident on a farm near Nenagh, Co Tipperary…

The funeral took place yesterday of a five-year-old boy who died as a result of an accident on a farm near Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

Patrick Joseph Downes, Clash, Toomevara, died last Friday after he fell from the cab of a tractor being driven by his father and was crushed by the wheels.

At a Mass of the Angels in Saint Joseph's Church, Toomevara, the local parish priest, Father William McCormack, said Patrick Joseph had brought a lot of joy to his family in his short life. "His death had stunned the whole community. He was a lovely child."

Patrick Joseph was in junior infants at Toomevara primary school. His classmates formed a guard of honour and sang in the choir at the funeral Mass.

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During the offertory procession the children brought a hurley and ball to the altar as well as a toy tractor, school books and Patrick Joseph's own teddy bear.

A Garda spokesman confirmed that the incident is being considered as accidental. A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Authority said its separate investigation was ongoing.

The deceased is survived by his parents William and Claire, his three-year-old sister, Aisling, his grandparents Dan and Mary Bergin, from Toomevara, and other relatives. Burial took place in Ballinree Cemetery.