The funeral of an 11-year-old girl from Co Derry who died after being struck by a vehicle heard that she had "a short life lived to the full."
Caitlin-Rose McMullan, a pupil at St Pius X College in Magherafelt, was struck by the vehicle on Hillhead Road in Castledawson shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, March 5.
The “bubbly and caring” young girl was laid to rest on Sunday, March 9 following a Requiem Mass in the Church of St Mary, Bellaghy, at 2.30pm.
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Mourners including Caitlin-Rose's family, members of the local community, and friends and staff from St Pius X College attended the service, filling out the church.
During the service, symbols of Caitlin-Rose's life were displayed upon the altar: a passport, make-up, a teddy, and art work that she enjoyed doing both at school and in her spare time. The 11-year-old was described as "a lovely gentle soul" who was "so full of life and a source of joy" for all who knew her.
The funeral heard of Caitlin-Rose's love of all things style, make-up, and travel, as well as her love for creating art. She was described as living "a short life lived to the full."
A family notice reads: “Beloved daughter of Colm and Stella and dear sister of Shéa, granddaughter of Mehall & Kate and Rosemary & Clement. Forever loved by her dad, mum, brother, grandparents and all the McMullan and McGinn families and their extended family circle and friends.”
In a statement issued previously, Caitlin-Rose's school, St Pius X College, paid tribute. They said: "Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling. Her Form Teachers described her as ‘a joy to teach due to her kind and fun-loving nature’.
"She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike. Over the course of Year 8, Caitlin-Rose earned numerous accolades for excellent effort and outstanding classwork, approaching every assignment with interest and enthusiasm.
"Caitlin-Rose’s friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services. We acknowledge and are very grateful for the support both staff and students have received from the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team at this very challenging time. May Caitlin-Rose’s gentle soul rest in Heavenly Peace."
Education Minister Paul Givan said that he was "deeply shocked" to hear the tragic news of the young girl's passing. He said: "As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident. I have spoken to the Principal at St Pius X College and assured him of my support. The Education Authority ’s Critical Incident Team is in contact with the school and will provide support to the pupils and staff."
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