The funeral of 12 year old Saoírse Ruane has taken place in St Peter and Paul's Church in Kiltullagh, Co Galway today. Mourners gathered at the small church to pay their respects to Saoírse and her devastated family. Dozens of people also lined up for the arrival of the funeral cortège, which was escorted by two Garda motorbike outriders.
Pupils from Kiltullagh National School, where Saoírse had attended, were also present, as well as a guard of honor formed by members of the local GAA and athletics clubs. Speaking at the beginning of the funeral mass, Fr Declan McInerney welcomed those inside and outside the church who gathered today to say farewell to Saoírse. Fr McInerney described Saoírse as : "the wonderful little angel that she was, and now our saint of Kiltullagh." He also welcomed Col Stephen Howard, Aide-de-Camp of President Michael D Higgins, who attended the mass as a representative for the President