A beloved Killygordon teenager has been laid to rest today.
Conor Temple, of Cavan Lower, Killygordon, died in a tragic accident in the Drumboe Woods on Thursday.
Tributes have sent in from far and wide to the 13-year-old who impacted so many lives positively in his short time.
The treasured teenager was remembered by his Little Angels School in Letterkenny as a boy who had been “living his best life” in the days before tragedy struck.
A large crowd gathered at the Church of Mary Immaculate in Stranorlar for Conor’s funeral today.
As part of proceedings, a number of gifts were presented at the altar, including a ball, a balloon, a picture of Conor and his big sister Aoibhin, and a school bag.
Local parish priest, Fr Vincent Finnegan, paid tribute to Conor and the impact he had on everyone who knew him during his life during his homily today.
“After the tragedy broke on Thursday evening, I prepared myself for the unknown. There was still so much unknown, except the fact that young Conor was gone.”
“I met (his father) Aidan outside, and after shaking hands I just gave him a hug, and I think I gave everyone else a hug after that. No words from me were going to be heard.”
“It was important because I learned later that Conor loved to give hugs, so it was instinctual in a house that had Conor to thank for expressing his love so openly.”
“Where no words were necessary on that night, today though I have to say a few words, firstly some words of appreciation for Conor and his thirteen years of inspirational joy which has been at the centre of your family and the heart of this community.”
“He loved the simple things in life: the hugs, the kisses and the tickles. That was his favourite way to show love.”
“He also had a sweet tooth, and delighted in making Rice Krispie buns. And like any young boy, he never said no to the chocolate.”
Fr Finnegan also detailed the close connection Conor had with his parents, Aidan and Clare.
“Conor loved going grocery shopping with his mum, Clare. He wasn’t just there for the ride, he was a real helper, carefully putting the shopping into the trolley and into the bags.”
“The staff in Aldi knew him well, and always treated him with kindness, because they saw the joy that he brought every time he walked through the doors with Claire.”
“He was daddy’s boy too. Any chance he got, Conor would go out with Aidan to the farm. He was natural around the animals and had an affinity with them, especially the horses.”
“Those trips were special for Conor and also for Aidan, a beautiful way to bond and to share a common love.”
“They had their own little routine, which often included baking, and of course, the chocolate.”
“Conor had a great sense of humour and a love for nature. He enjoyed walks in Drumboe Woods with his mum, (enjoying) the beauty around him.”
“And while he was daddy’s boy, he was also mammy’s wee darling.”
“He loved visiting nanny Temple’s house – sometimes all he needed to say was ‘Temples’ – and Aidan knew exactly what he meant.”
“He also loved popping into nanny and granddad Mac’s, where he knew just where to find a kiwi or a yoghurt when he was younger.”
Fr Finnegan also stressed how Conor’s life was full of joy and laughter.
“Conor’s life was full of love, laughter and simple joys. He touched hearts with his kindness and his infectious smile, and he leaves behind memories that will always warm the hearts of those who knew him.”
“At the Little Angels School, Albha told me that he had an amazing week before the accident, he was so affectionate and was living his best life.”
“Conor’s journey through life was coloured by his unique perspective, and he often saw it more vividly and purely than we did.”
“He found fascination in the small details. In the rhythm of the river, and in the whispers of the trees around him in Drumboe.”
“How we wish we could have saved him on that fateful day, just as countless parents instinctively strive to safeguard their children from harm.”
“This remembrance of our parental love mirrors the love of God. In today’s gospel, we see an angel instructing Joseph on the arrival of Mary’s child, a child who would be called Emmanuel – God with us.”
“I was struck while I was at the house reciting the Rosary on Friday night, the mirroring of Mary holding the lifeless body of Jesus, and my witnessing of Clare, holding her Conor in the coffin, while Aidan rubbed his forehead.”
“Those expressions of tenderness speak into the void of the eternal questions – why?”
“Joseph in our gospel faced uncertainty and fear, and yet he chose to embrace the divine promise of God’s presence in his life, even in the midst of turmoil.”
“Today, we too must cling to that promise.”
“Although it feels as though the light has dimmed, we hold onto the truth that God walks with us through our darkest moments, Conor’s spirit shines brightly, and that spirit is eternally carried by the love of God and by each one of us.”
“And let’s not forget the message of Emmanuel; God is with us, in our pain, and in our loss, we are never abandonded, rather we are cradled in the divine tenderness that understands our heartache.”
“As we navigate through the waters of grief, let us lean on one another for support and let God’s comforting presence guide us through the dark days ahead.”
“May Conor rest in the arms of the angels.”
Also, a member of the extended Temple family spoke and gave thanks to members of the local community for their compassion, and the emergency services for their efforts in trying to save Conor’s life.
“On behalf of our families, and especially Aidan and Clare, we want to acknowledge the kindess, compassion and support shown by the local community and the wider community around us during the past three days. We have felt your presence and it has truly made a difference.”
“We offer our heartfelt thanks to the emergency services, the Gardaí, fire brigade, ambulance services, doctors, nurses and everyone who helped us to find Conor and tried so hard to save him for us.”
“Your kindness, professionalism and care meant everything, and we are deeply grateful.”
“To all the teachers, special needs assistants, and everyone who cared for Conor over his thirteen years, we are eternally thankful.”
“We particularly want to thank the staff at Ballymacool and Little Angels.”
“Conor always looked forward to his stays at Ballymacool, where he was so happy, and (looking forward to) going to school at Little Angels.”
“Finally, we ask to keep us in your prayers, most especially Aidan, Clare, Aoibhin and Matthew.”
“We believe Conor is now at his nanny and grandad Temple’s in heaven, and that he is now looking after Aidan, Clare, Aoibhin and Matthew.”
Beloved teenager Conor Temple laid to rest in Stranorlar was last modified: December 21st, 2025 by Daniel Brennan
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