Eunan Harvey: Co Antrim schoolboy who died after cancer battle was an inspiration, funeral hears

A Co Antrim teenager who died from cancer on Monday was “the most affable and humble guy”, his funeral has heard.

Eunan Harvey, a year 14 pupil at St Killian’s College in Carnlough, received his AS-level results a few days before he passed away – achieving As in each subject.

An outstanding sportsman, the 17-year-old represented his county in hurling, and played Gaelic football for Con Magees.

Requiem Mass took place at St Patrick's and St Brigid's Church in Glenariffe on Wednesday morning.

Fr David White told mourners: “During his teenage years, Eunan enjoyed life to the full, and I encourage you all to do the same.”

The service opened with an acoustic version of Alphaville’s Forever Young as Eunan’s coffin made its way to the altar.

Fr White described the kind of life Eunan led and the mark he left on his community.

He recalled “an inspirational guy to his school mates, hurling club and at Euro Spar, where he worked alongside his studies.

“A much-loved son to Sean and Sharon, dear brother of Aoife and Lena, beloved grandson of Artie, Anne, Marie and the late Peter, and best friend to Oisin, this ceremony speaks volumes of the role he played in the wider circle”.

The priest said Eunan had a special love for Carlo Acutis – a London-born teenager nicknamed "God's influencer" who died from leukaemia in 2006 aged 15. He will be canonised by the Catholic church later this year.

“Carlos Acutis is associated with information and technology, which Eunan had a strong interest for, and will be named a saint in October,” Fr White added.

“Eunan found Acutis’ story fascinating and related to him on a spiritual level.

“A popular and remarkable pupil at St Killian’s College, Eunan was a passionate Glens man and was fascinated with nature, walking, hiking and golf.”

The service also heard that the young man had a very close relationship with his grandparents.

Fr White explained that Eunan never let his illness get him down, even as the last week brought devastating news.

“Unfortunately, last Friday, his parents were told it wasn’t good news – the cancer had come back and had spread everywhere, like a tsunami and now it was time to prepare for the inevitable.”

A passionate and devoted hurler, Eunan found his energy in GAA and his sports.

“When I visited the family’s home on Monday evening, I can recall getting distracted by all the hurling memorabilia while praying for Eunan,” Fr White said.

“Eunan was a virtuous young lad who will be sorely missed by his family, friends and teammates, but especially by his best friend Oisin, who thought the absolute world of him.”

During the Mass, one of Eunan’s coaches described him as an outstanding young hurler.

“He was part of the county team. A talented hurler who was always on time, enthusiastic and always had a smile on his face, ready to get stuck in. He was a coach’s dream,” he said.

The Harvey family, who had urged mourners to wear club colours “in celebration of Eunan's vitality for life and sport in the Glens”, requested donations go to Young Lives vs Cancer.

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