THE FAMILY of the rally photographer who was killed in Sunday’s horrific crash in Cavan has asked for prayers for the driver of the car involved in the tragedy.
Joe Lane was buried yesterday in Galway. His only son, Graham, asked the congregation at his funeral Mass in Clarinbridge to pray for Michael Conlon from Co Monaghan, who was driving the car involved in the incident.
Prayers were also offered for Catherine Cleary, who was also killed and whose funeral takes place at Barntown, Wexford, today.
Mr Lane and Ms Cleary were watching the Cavan Motor Club special stages rally outside a house near Bailieborough when they were killed on Sunday morning last. Seven other spectators were also injured after a car taking part in the rally went out of control at 11.10am and crashed into a fence outside the house.
At his father’s funeral, Mr Lane prayed for Ms Cleary’s partner Seán Hayde, for everyone involved and for the survivors to make a full recovery. “Give them enough courage to get through this sad time. Also the people who are in hospital, may they make a full recovery.”
Mr Lane (50) was buried at the cemetery adjoining the Church of the Annunciation in Clarinbridge, the same church he was baptised in 50 years ago and in which he married his wife 26 years ago.
Hundreds of friends and family packed into the small church, while colleagues in the media from On the Limit Sports, Motorsport Ireland and members of Galway Motor Club flanked the hearse.
Clarinbridge parish priest Fr David Murphy urged the local community to gather around the Lane family as they dealt with their loss.
During the service, a camera and a model of a Jordan Formula 1 car were brought to the altar to symbolise Mr Lane’s passions for photography and motor racing.
Mr Lane’s niece Eimear paid tribute to “a family man” and thanked all those who helped him.
Mr Lane is survived by his wife Martina, their son Graham (23) and daughter Shona (16).