Funeral held for teenager killed by a bus in County Longford; family says town “will never be the same again.”

The town of Longford in Ireland will “never be the same again” following the tragic death of 19-year-old Martin McDonnell, who was killed last week after being struck by a Bus Éireann bus. McDonnell’s sister Melissa delivered an emotional eulogy at his funeral, explaining that the suddenness of his death had left a deep void that would be felt for a long time. McDonnell, who was due to get married in Northern Ireland in just three weeks, had lost his brother Ciaran just over a year ago. Chief celebrant Fr Michael McGrath offered condolences to the family, adding “The loss of a life so young, there are just no answers”. Following the funeral, a single bag-piper led the hearse to the cemetery, stopping briefly at the scene of his death. McDonnell is survived by his parents Willie and Patricia, as well as his many siblings.