The early Spring sun which shone over St Brigid’s Church in Carnhill on Saturday morning was in stark contrast with the dark cloud of grief that was cast over the Derry community as mourners gathered for the funeral of Caoimhin Porter-McLoone.
The young man, aged 18 and from Moyola Avenue in Derry, was a passenger in a car that collided with a lorry on the R236 at St Johnston at around 11.15pm on Tuesday night.
The funeral of his friend Daniel Cullen, who was also killed in the devastating crash, will be held in Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Steelstown at 1.15pm on Sunday.
It is believed the young men had been travelling from a supermarket in Strabane to Derry when the tragedy struck.
The driver of the car, who is also aged in his late teens, is currently in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for treatment of serious injuries.
The tragedy sent shockwaves through Derry and Donegal as the two communities united in grief following the loss of the two young men.
Caoimhin was the son of Stephanie and the late Darren and a brother to Chloe, Hunter, Shea, Darren and Ben.
The funeral cortege of Caoimhinn Porter-McLoone on its way to St Brigid’s Church. Photo: North West Newspix.
Today’s News in 90 seconds – Saturday, February 28
He was a past pupil of St Thérèse’s Primary School, Lenamore and St Brigid’s College, Carnhill in Derry.
A large crowd of family, friends, neighbours and the local community gathered at St Brigid’s Church, Carnhill on Saturday morning.
A guard of honour was performed by staff and pupils of St Brigid’s College and Don Boscos Football Club while many of the mourners wore Manchester United jerseys, a nod to Caoimhin’s favourite football team.
The funeral mass was led by Fr Micheál McGavigan and con-celebrated by Fr Declan McGeehan, Steelstown Parish Priest.
Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter-McLoone.
Before the mass, a photograph of Caoimhin along with a Manchester United hat and scarf was placed next to the coffin.
Fr McGavigan said the heartbroken mourners had gathered in “deep shock and sorrow” to celebrate the life of Caoimhin.
“His death has come suddenly and painfully, and it has left many hearts broken.
“There is disbelief, confusion and a grief that feels too heavy for words. Today we do not pretend otherwise.
“We come just as we are; stunned, grieving and carrying a love that now has nowhere to go,” said Fr McGavigan.
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Caoimhin’s tragic death comes just over one year after the death of his father, Darren.
Fr McGavigan explained Caoimhin had taken time out following his father’s death, but he was “ready to start work, to build something and make his mark on the world” when his life was cut short.
“On Tuesday evening, in a car accident, it was taken from him and with him, his friend Daniel, also only 18.
“Two young lives, two families, two communities now carrying a grief that feels unbearable.
“When we speak about Caoimhin, what shines through so clearly is not only the sadness of his death, but the goodness of his life.
“He was known as a kind-hearted, caring, handsome, funny young man, but also a deep thinker, an old soul wise beyond his years,” Fr McGavigan.
The remains of Caoimhin Porter-McLoone are taken to St Brigid’s Church. Photo: North West Newspix
The congregation heard Caoimhin loved deep conversations, was interested in philosophy, the bigger questions of life and he and his mum Stephanie could often be found discussing conspiracy theories.
“It’s a small detail, but it says something striking.
“A mother and a son who truly enjoyed one another’s company, who talked, who laughed and who shared ideas freely,” said Fr McGavigan.
The congregation heard Caoimhin loved football, was a devoted Manchester United fan, enjoyed his PlayStation and “music blaring through his headphones.”
He had played football for Don Boscos during his younger years until he suffered an injury, while he had recently joined the gym and was preparing for job interviews.
“He was ready to start work and to step into adulthood,” explained Fr McGavigan.
“He had plans to travel and with his interest in architecture, he wanted to see historic places like Edinburgh and Rome.
“He planned to go see Manchester United this year, a special connection with his father Darren, with whom he shared that love of football,” said Fr McGavigan.
The congregation heard that Caoimhin was deeply loved at home and was idolised by his younger siblings, Hunter, Shay, Darren and Ben, and shared a special close bond with his older sister Chloe.
Fr McGavigan said his mother, Stephanie, spoke of “a good child who never brought any bother.”
“Always smiling, always ready to wind up and carry on.
“He was affectionate and loving, never leaving the house without a kiss and a hug and an I love you.
“Those moments are priceless now. They are a gift that nothing can take away,” said Fr McGavigan.
Caoimhin was remembered as being a good help around the house and despite the losses he suffered, he remained sensitive to others.
A large crowd of mourners gathered at the church in Derry. Photo: North West Newspix
Fr McGavigan continued, “Even after all the loss he had already endured, the death of his granny, his uncle, and then his father, he did not grow hard or bitter.
“He remained sensitive to others, able to sense when someone needed a lift and willing to give it.
“He always tried to see the good in people and in situations.
“That tells us everything about the kind of young man he was,” said Fr McGavigan.
Fr McGavigan said Caoimhin’s death was “heartbreaking and unfair” but said his goodness will live on the memories and hearts of those who loved him.
“We are not here to pretend that this is anything other than heartbreaking and unfair, but we are here to say this with quiet conviction; God does not create such goodness in a life to allow it simply to end in nothing.
“A heart like Caoimhin’s; affectionate, loyal, thoughtful and generous is not a mistake, it is not wasted.
“His life did not end on Tuesday evening, his life continued and continues under God’s gentle gaze until we all meet again… we believe that he is safe, held and at peace, reunited with his father Darren, resting in a love that cannot be taken away,” said Fr McGavigan.
Speaking to Caoimhin’s family and friends, Fr McGavigan urged them to be patient with each other and not to carry their grief alone but to lean on family and friends.
“Keep walking together, keep talking and keep looking out for one another.
“Carry Caoimhin’s kindness forward because that is how love endures.
“That is how even when the world has changed, we learn to see differently,” said Fr McGavigan.
Family members said Prayers of the Faithful for Daniel Cullen who died in the crash and for all those who died on the roads in recent days while those who were seriously injured and recovering in hospital or at home were also prayed for.
A prayer was said for the communities that has been affected by the tragedy and for Caoimhin’s grieving family and friends.
The remains of Caoimhinn Porter-McLoone is carried to St Brigid’s Church by family and friends. Photo: North West Newspix
Following the funeral mass, Caoimhin’s remains were taken from the church to the City Cemetery for burial.
Earlier this week, the St Johnston community gathered at St Baithin’s Church for a service in memory of the two young men who died in the crash and the young man receiving treatment.
Taughboyne parish priest Fr Philip Kemmy said the community was grief stricken and horrified at the terrible tragedy which occurred in the locality and acknowledged the heartache and shock the families of the young men are experiencing at this time.
He told the congregation that while the young men were not from the parish, the community’s name will be forever etched on the hearts and minds of those who loved them.
“There are no words that we can come up with that will take away the pain that Daniel and Caoimhin’s families feel.
“The words we speak are the words we speak to God and we pray for their families, we pray for the young man who is seriously ill and his recovery,” Fr Kemmy said.
Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the collision, involving a lorry and a car, which occurred at around 11.15pm on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
A male passenger of the car, aged in his late teens, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His remains were conveyed to the morgue at Letterkenny University Hospital.
A second male passenger, also aged in his late teens, was conveyed to Altnagelvin Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.
A spokesperson said: “Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 10.45pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday 24th February 2026 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on (074) 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”