The funeral of a little boy who died following a freak accident at his Co Donegal home has heard how he will always remain in his family’s hearts because of his laugh and wild spirit.
Little Joey Forker passed away on Friday last after the tragic incident at Meenmore, Dungloe.
The 9-year-old was helping his dad on land at their home when tragedy struck.
Hundreds of mourners crammed into St Crona’s Church in Dungloe for today’s emotional funeral mass, the same church where Joey made his first communion earlier this summer.
Heavy rain and a dark skyline met mourners who turned up to say a final farewell to the happy-go-lucky Scoil Chróine pupil.
Mourners wept openly as they heard about a little boy whose life touched so many in his short time on this earth.
At the foot of the altar, Joey’s white coffin rested wrapped in pictures of happier times in his short life.
Parish priest of Dungloe, Fr Johnny Moore told mourners not to be afraid to shed tears as this was not a sign of weakness but of the love they had for Joey.
Twin Cams outside St Crona’s Church Dungloe for the funeral of Joey Forker. North West Newspix
The tightly-knit community of Dungloe came out to remember the mischievous little boy but also to support his family who are extremely well-known in the area.
As well as his heartbroken parents, Joey and Audrey, Joey’s brothers Jason and Jordan and grandfather Willie were joined by many aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours and friends whose lives he had touched.
Joey was predeceased by his grandmother Nora Forker and other grandparents Nora and Paddy Friel.
Fr Moore said there were now so many questions but no perfect answers for Joey’s sudden death.
But he said he was certain that the little boy was now “wrapped in the arms of Granny Forker and Nana and Papa Friel”.
And he reassured Joey’s family and friends “You will always carry Joey in your hearts, his laugh, his wild spirit that brought so much joy, these are gifts that will remain.”
“And though your arms may feel empty now, your hearts are forever full because he lived.”
Gifts brought to the altar symbolised Joey’s passions and loves, from machinery and sport to his affection for animals and family.
Toy Twin Cam cars and diggers, boxing gloves and a photo of his family dog Holly were among the symbols of what Joey loved most.
Real Twin Cams with the name ‘Joey Forker’ on their licence plates lined the road outside the church in tribute to the lovable lad’s fondness for watching diffing
Just a few months earlier, Joey had made his First Holy Communion in the same church.
This afternoon, his Holy Communion workbook, filled with his hopes and love for his family, was placed on his coffin.
His parents also lovingly draped his baptism shawl on the coffin, the same one his brothers had worn at their baptisms in St Crona’s church.
His funeral was told he loved nothing more than helping his dad Joe.
Joey’s Godfather James Coll celebrated Joey’s wonderful qualities of kindness, fun and determination.
“Though his time was far too short, Joey lived every day with joy, confidence and loved and touched everyone around him,” James told mourners.
“What made him truly special in our hearts is he was lovable and caring. He was always looking out for his brothers
Jason and Jordan and pulling his cousins into the adventures so no one was left out.
“Though our grief is deep, so is our gratitude. We are blessed to have known him.
“He may have been small, but the love he gave and the memories he left behind were enormous.”
After his funeral mass, Joey’s white coffin was taken for burial to Magheragallon Cemetery in Gaoth Dobhair.
Little Joey’s life of love, laughter and mischief celebrated by heartbroken family was last modified: August 28th, 2025 by Staff Writer
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