Ardee comes to a standstill for funeral of 23-year-old victim of Louth crash

Ardee came to a standstill this afternoon as the funeral of 23-year-old Dylan Commins took place at the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady. Dylan, one of five young people who lost their lives in last Saturday night’s crash on the Ardee Road in Dundalk.

The coffin of Dylan Commins arrived at the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady in Ardee along with a bright red car on the back of a recovery truck.

Cars in the town bore ‘DYLAN’ number plates and there was a solemn tone as the family of Mr Commins arrived at the church arm-in-arm.

President Catherine Connolly arrived at the church ahead of the funeral and after attending the funeral for one of the other victims – Alan McCluskey – in Co Meath on Friday morning.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Francesco Campiello, Curate of the Parish of Ardee & Collon. Before Mass began, a series of symbols was brought forward each chosen to illustrate a different piece of Dylan’s story.

A picture of his lorry, his work boots, and his Coole Automotive T-shirt represented the thriving business he had built from the ground.

A family photograph honoured the strong bonds that shaped his life. A motocross trophy recalled his years racing with Milverton Motocross Club.

Childhood items, including his Winnie the Pooh teddy, an Advent calendar and a Santa letter to represent his softer side. 

One of Dylan’s customised number plates to represent the strong friendships Dylan had built during his life

In his homily, Father Campiello acknowledged the overwhelming grief felt since last weekend, saying that many have found themselves unable to articulate the devastation of the tragedy. 

“There are no words,” he said, echoing what he described as the only sentence most people could manage in recent days. He spoke of the silence that follows such a loss, and of faith as a source of meaning where human language fails. Reflecting on Dylan’s energy, restlessness, and constant pursuit of something more, he spoke of the deep desire for purpose that drives each person.

“I want to address the last words of my homily in a special to Dylan’s family.  Over these last number of days, I have shared with you a bit of my personal experience.  Ten years ago a brother of mine died in a car accident at the age of eighteen, so I know what you are going through.  What I can tell you is that there is hope!  Don’t think that this is the beginning of an endless chapter of sadness in your life.  The Lord will do marvels in your life!”

A moving eulogy was delivered by Dylan’s sister, Lauren. She recalled his years in local sports clubs, his success in motocross, his creative streak in Transition Year, and his early days working in Quad Factor. She spoke of his unforgettable year in Australia, where he worked in the mines and made lifelong friends, before returning home to build what would become Coole Automotive, the transport and recovery business he ran

Lauren described Dylan’s lifelong love of cars, from Donegal Rally trips as a teenager and spoke of his big dreams, his ambition, and the pain of seeing those dreams cut short. She also shared his special place within the family.

“For Thomas, there will be no one left to shout at in the workshop.  For Denise, her golden boy - her world has changed, and nothing can fill that space.  Lauren has lost the big brother who had made her his personal secretary.  

“Jessica will carry the passion for cars he sparked in her, keeping the Commins name alive in Donegal just like he would have wanted.  Sarah … she’ll need a new part-time valeting job, because every car Dylan sold, she was the one who cleaned it.  And his heartbroken granny Sheila who will miss him dearly.  Dylan lived quickly, loved deeply, and laughed loudly. 

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“He left an imprint on everyone he met - through his friendship, his mischief, his kindness, and his unstoppable determination.  Though his life was far too short, it was packed with adventure, with bravery, with joy, and with the love of family and friends who adored him.  Today, we don’t just mourn the life we lost - we honour the life he lived.

“Rest easy, Dylan (the showman).  Your journey was wild, bright, and unforgettable - and your story will live on in all of us.”

Bishop Michael Router also addressed mourners, offering heartfelt sympathies to Dylan’s parents, sisters, and wider family on behalf of the Archdiocese of Armagh. He acknowledged the profound grief felt across the region following the loss of Dylan and his friends, and thanked President Catherine Connolly for her presence at the Mass. 

The Bishop assured the family that they are held by a community of care and by the comforting presence of Christ and prayed that Dylan may rest in God’s embrace while his loved ones find healing.