THE FATHER of a four-year-old boy who was knocked down and killed near his home in Co Louth paid an emotional tribute to his son at his funeral yesterday saying: “He was our ray of sunshine.”
Conor McDaid, an only child, of Townley Manor, Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co Louth, died after he was hit by a truck while cycling on Tuesday afternoon.
His funeral took place yesterday at St Mary’s Church in Drogheda, where he was baptised.
His mother Mary, clutching her son’s favourite teddy and photos of him, was comforted by family as she said a final farewell to her little boy.
Conor’s father Paul said: “The three of us had the best years of our lives. We loved Conor like no other . . . We are grateful he touched so many people’s lives, and they touched his. He loved everybody . . .
“What a guy, what a boy, what a legend. He looked up to me. He thought I was his hero but he was my hero.
“There will be an empty chair at school next week.”
Mr McDaid asked mourners in the packed church to pray for the driver of the truck who accidentally knocked Conor down.
“Pray for that man, that he recovers, and in the near future myself and himself will share a drink in the Star bar.”
Conor’s best friend Jack brought a Newcastle jersey to the altar.
Other items representing Conor’s life included a hurley, football boots, a Buzz Lightyear toy, his wellies, a photograph of him on his baptism day and a magnet of Australia, where he had recently gone on holiday with his parents.
Parish priest Fr Denis Nulty said: “Days don’t come harder than this day. A short four years ago he was baptised here.
“His mum Mary carried him into this church that day and both Mary and Paul are carrying him out today, much too quick.”