THE FIRST OF the funerals of the teenagers who died in a holiday apartment in Co Derry last week took place in his native Co Antrim on Saturday.
Neil McFerran (18) was with two other friends on a short break in the north coast holiday village of Castlerock when they were overcome, apparently by carbon monoxide fumes. Mr McFerran and his friend Aaron Davidson died while Matthew Gaw (also 18) survived.
He was among more than 1,000 mourners in the sprawling estate of Rathcoole on the outskirts of north Belfast on Saturday morning. The stunned local community turned out in numbers for the first of the funerals as normal life came to a standstill for the service at Newtownabbey Methodist Mission.
Following a simple private ceremony at the teenager’s home in King’s Walk, the cortege moved slowly to the church which was already packed with mourners. Hundreds more stood quietly outside. Members of the emergency services were also there, many of them unable to find room inside the church for the celebration of Neil’s short life.
Included in the cortege were his parents, grandparents and a wide family circle. Aaron’s family were also there. His funeral takes place today.
The congregation heard a moving tribute paid by Neil’s elder brother, Stephen. “The truth is, Neil was so perfect and if I was half the person he was, I would be very proud of myself and I have realised how I looked up to him,” he said. “He brought people together with his love, always smiling, giving hugs, teaching us the value of youth and how important it is to stay young at heart.”
He broke down during the delivery of the tribute and was warmly applauded by the congregation.
The service was led by the Rev Billy Davison and former minister at the mission, the Rev Ellen Whalley, delivered the address.
She spoke of the McFerrans as a large, close and loving family and referred to the teenager’s many friends. She talked of his love of drama and his membership of the Boy’s Brigade and the Fire Service Cadets.
“Matthew and Aaron were primary school friends and were taking these few days together as a small break before they took their big adventure to New York, where they had planned to go in September this year,” she said.
“By now you will have got a picture of an extensive, close family circle, who were not afraid to show their feelings for each other and express their love for one another.
“You will have heard and many would know something of the kind of young man Neil was and from his mother’s description of him, that he was someone of whom they could be justly proud.”
The Rev Whalley said every parent wanted to see their children grow up to be independent, thoughtful and caring young people, yet at the same time, they wanted to protect them and keep them safe.
“It is difficult to get the balance right,” she added. “The service today is a service of thanksgiving for his life . . . yes, a life cut short by a tragic accident, but still a full life.”
Neil was brought to nearby Carnmoney cemetery for burial.