Funeral details announced for tragic Cavan teenager who died in workplace accident

Reece Donohue (17), from Upper Main Street, Kilnaleck, died in the fatal incident, which occurred at the Wilton site at Kifagh, near Ballyjamesduff shortly after 4.30pm on Thursday June 13.

Gardaí and emergency services attended, but the teenager was pronounced deceased at the scene.

His body was removed from the scene to the mortuary in Cavan General Hospital and a post-mortem examination was subsequently carried out.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) were also notified, and a file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.

Reece is predeceased by his grandparents Joe and Joan Donohoe, great-aunt Angela, aunt Adriana, and nephew Kai.

He will be “sadly missed” by his heartbroken mother Mary, father Brian, sisters Amber and Jade, grandparents Rita and John, niece Croía, stepfather Paul, uncle Niall, girlfriend Meabh, stepbrother Aaron, extended family, cousins and his many beloved friends.

A notice on RIP.ie adds: “Reposing at his home on Sunday (16th) from 3pm to 7pm. House strictly private at all other times. Removal on Tuesday (18th) to St. Patrick’s Church, Kilnaleck, arriving for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Kill Cemetery.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for Wilton Waste said: “The company offers their deepest condolences to the employee’s family at this very sad time.

“As a mark of respect, the company has decided to close the gates until further notice.”

Local Fine Gael Councillor Trevor Smith said the people of the wider Kilnaleck area are shocked and saddened by this awful tragedy.

He described the deceased was a “popular young lad”, and that the local community in Kilnaleck and surrounding areas were reeling in “shock” from the news.

He added “I’m sure the local community will support Reece’s family in any way they can,” said Cllr Smith, who also expressed his deepest sympathies to the teenager’s family.

Another local who knew the family described Reece as “a lovely young man who never caused a fuss.”

While another described him as “a lad that any mother would be proud to have as your son.”