Daniel (18) of Shantallow in Co Derry, was killed alongside his friend Caoimhin Porter-McLoone, also 18, after the car they were passengers in collided with a lorry last Tuesday night
The remains of RTC victim Daniel Cullen is carried from to Our Lady Of Lourdes Church
The funeral of Daniel Cullen, who was one of two young men tragically killed in a crash in Donegal, heard how “he had a magnetic charisma, a real wit and a charm that people found irresistible.”
Daniel (18) of Shantallow in Co Derry, was killed alongside his friend Caoimhin Porter-McLoone, also 18, in the fatal crash that happened in St Johnston, Donegal on Tuesday night, February 24. Both teenagers were passengers in the car that collided with a lorry on the R236.
The driver of the car, another man in his late teens, was seriously injured in the crash and remains in a hospital in Belfast. Caoimhin’s funeral Mass took place on Saturday morning.
Chief mourners at Daniel’s funeral Mass on Sunday afternoon in Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Derry included his heartbroken parents John Morrow and Sharon Cullen, his twin John Paul, brother Joe, sisters Bridie and Doniella, extended family and friends.
Daniel Cullen(Image: Joe Boland/North West Newspix)
A framed photograph of a smiling Daniel was placed on a table on the altar.
Parish priest Fr Declan McGeehan told mourners: “We come today broken-hearted, full of grief and sadness. We become united as one community, united in love for Daniel and his family.
“We also pray for Caoimhin Porter-McLoone.”
Caoimhin Porter (Image: Joe Boland/North West Newspix)
“Daniel was outgoing, extroverted, full of life,” Fr McGeehan told mourners gathered for Daniel’s Requiem Mass.
“He was a sociable, gregarious and popular young fellow who loved being in the company of others – his family, his friends, his classmates here at Steelstown Primary, or in St Bridget’s College. Daniel would talk to everybody and anybody.
“He had a magnetic charisma, a real wit and a charm that people found irresistible.”
Fr McGeehan said over the past few days, the house has been packed with so many of his friends.
“And again, the crowds here this afternoon in this church are a witness to just how well loved he was among his peers, the whole of Shantallow, the whole of this parish, the city is united in grief, as Daniel made a great impression on everyone he met.
“He was a bit of a comedian too, a real wind up merchant, always willing and able to bring a bit of light-hearted banter to even the most serious situations,” said Fr McGeehan.
Fr McGeehan said that one of Daniel’s teachers said that while he was no trouble at all, it was always clear he never wanted to be in school.
“He had no interest whatsoever in the school work, but at the same time, he’d hardly miss a day, for he loved the social side of being at school surrounded by his friends, charming the girls, having a laugh and enjoying the banter,” said Fr McGeehan.
Friends of RTC victim Daniel Cullen at Our Lady Od Lourdes Churchas his remians arrive. North West Newspix)
“He had ambitions to become a mechanic for he had an inquisitive mind that loved to know how things worked.
“He loved taking things apart, understanding them, fixing them and putting them back together.
“And again, he loved his time at the training centre, not for the formal learning side of things, but because he got to do practical things. And he also enjoyed the camaraderie with the other lads there.
“At home, Daniel was adored by all his siblings: his big brother Joe, twin brother John Paul, and two sisters, Bridie and Doniella. None of them were immune from his charm.
“He was the life and soul of any family gathering. He lit up any room he entered, and drew out the best in everyone.
“And of course, he was a firm favourite with all the younger children in the family, especially his wee cousins, they all gravitated toward him, for he was always there to play with them, to wind them up and to spoil them.”
Addressing Daniel’s heartbroken parents John and Sharon, Fr McGeehan said: “He was there for you when you needed him most. He was a rock for you at times, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and often, he had a wisdom beyond his years.
“He was the same for his grandparents too. All you needed to do was hint at something needed and done, and he’d be the first to get his hands dirty and muck in, clearing the garden, running messages, whatever it was he was on it, and you didn’t have to ask him twice.
“For Daniel was a big-hearted, compassionate young man who had that special ability to recognise when someone needed help, and more importantly, he was never slow to respond to that need and to offer whatever support he could.
“I think it’s fair to say that Daniel loved his style. He always made sure that he was dressed to perfection,” Fr McGeehan continued.
“He could never save any money for anything, for as soon as he gathered a few pounds together, he’d be up to town and to JD sports to buy another track suit or hats or trainers, sometimes at eye watering prices, not to mention his jewellery.
“He always looked dapper and would never leave the house without first looking at himself in the mirror and spraying a bit of scent,” said Fr McGeehan.
“It’s very easy when someone dies in tragic circumstances to allow those circumstances to define them, but our faith teaches us that it’s not the circumstances of life or death that define us.”
Addressing Daniel’s grieving pals, Fr McGeehan told them they are “not suffering alone, you have each other and there are many people out there who will be more than willing to help you and listen to you.
“If you do need help, or you need someone to turn to in the next days, weeks, months ahead, please reach out,” said Fr McGeehan.
Following Requiem Mass, Daniel’s remains were buried in Derry City Cemetery.
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