Eunan Harvey funeral hears teen who died days after A Level results was ‘lovely lad’ and ‘Glens man’

“Eunan was a lively, outgoing and sociable young man who made a lasting impression”

A Co Antrim teen who died after a short illness was a “lovely lad” and “Glens man through and through,” mourners at his funeral heard on Wednesday.

Eunan Harvey, a talented GAA player and Year 14 student at St Killian’s College outside Carnlough, passed away on Monday, August 18. His funeral mass was held in his home village of Glenariff.

The 17-year-old was described as “generous and approachable,” and a “team player throughout his life” who could “always see the humorous side of life” during a moving homily at St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Church.

READ MORE: Co Antrim school’s tribute after death of ‘bright and sociable’ teenREAD MORE: Eunan Harvey: Tributes pour in for talented minor GAA star after tragic passing

His funeral heard how just days before his passing, Eunan had received excellent A Level results, after completing his exams while battling illness. Following his death, Eunan’s school St Killian’s College described him as a “lively, outgoing, and sociable young man.”

In a moving tribute, the school said: “Eunan was a valued member of our school community — bright, lively and full of promise. Surrounded by many friends, his presence touched our lives and brought much joy to his entire year group.

“More than the sum of his academic achievements, Eunan was an outstanding sportsperson representing the college in numerous sports, his club, Glenariffe, and Co Antrim in hurling, and also representing Con Magees, Glenravel in Gaelic football.

“Eunan was a lively, outgoing and sociable young man who made a lasting impression among his peers and large friendship group. Eunan knew how to enjoy himself and had a great sense of humour, showing us the importance of making the most out of each and every day.”

As mourners gathered in the church on Wednesday, Eunan’s coffin was carried in covered in a Oisin’s Glenariffe GAA jersey, while ‘Forever Young’ played.

During an emotional homily, Fr David White described Eunan as a “lovely lad” and “inspirational guy.” He said: “Eunan was born 23rd January 2008, and baptised here. He went to school in Glenariff, then moved on to St Killian’s College. Eunan was a Glens man, his father in conversations said to me as a young man he was fascinated by the mountains, valleys, Glens, the sea, and golf course.

“In school, everything was a challenge and he was eager to get stuck in. He asked his father why people wanted to get on a plane and fly away and get roasted in the sun, when there’s so much beauty in the Glens of Antrim. Whether it was climbing the mountains, swimming, walking up and down the riverbank, hurling, playing football, or out on the golf course, or studying a bit – Eunan loved a challenge; he excelled at all of them.

“As late as last Thursday, he got his results of his AS Levels – all A’s. Eunan at his best. Sitting in his presence on Monday evening beside his coffin at home, I was trying to say a few quiet prayers on my own and try as I may, I was continuously distracted by all the hurling memorabilia around the coffin. Everything was Eunan hurling, photographs of him in action – they all revealed a guy who was full of energy, what I would call Eunan on top of the world. Life is for living, this is not a rehearsal lads and lassies, life is for real.”

He continued: “Had life been kinder, I have no doubt Eunan would have represented the club here and county level at all levels of Gaelic sport – but life would not allow it. I mentioned the deceased was a Glens man through and through, in his short life, he was a team player in every aspect.

“He could always see the happy and humorous side of life, as a young person he was generous, approachable, and helpful, especially when he was out working down in the Eurospar where he worked part time. He was good company and a good example.

“I hope those in a green jersey today would take that leaf out of the book of life that Eunan Harvey leaves behind. Of course death is heartbreaking, heartbreaking for his family. You had to cope with Eunan’s sickness from the age of four, at times he was well at other times he was sick and very weak.

“But during his early teenage years, life’s balance seemed to change for him, and that’s where he found his energy – it’s where life exploded for him and we thought ‘this is it, this is Eunan in full flight.’ But alas, the sickness returned. Lads and lassies, enjoy life to the full, you don’t know when the body gives in.

“The treatment Eunan was undergoing was leading to stem cell implant in England over summer, but last week treatment was going fine, and on Friday the family was told the cancer had returned all over the body. Hope goes off like a light – now was time to prepare for the inevitable.

“He was a virtuous lad, an example to the young and the not so young. At 17 and a half years of age, we commend him to God.”

A tearful tribute was paid at the service by Oisin Glenariff GAA club, which was followed by a long applause from mourners within the church.

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