‘There will never be anyone who can fill the void in our hearts left by you’ - community pays tribute at funeral of ‘special young man’ Dominic O’Neill, who died in Pulham Market tragedy
Dominic O'Neill's funeral procession leaves the church at Pulham Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
'He was loved by us all and someone who will forever hold a place in our hearts.' That was a teacher's heartfelt message to a popular former pupil as the final funeral for the three teenagers killed in the devastating Pulham Market tragedy was held.
Young people walk behind Dominic O'Neill's coffin with his family, including mother Davina, at his funeral at Pulham Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
Dominic O'Neill and his two friends Kyle Warren and Billy Hines died when the black Ford Ka they were travelling in came off the road in Tivetshall Road, Pulham Market and hit a tree.
READ MORE: About Dominic O'NeillREAD MORE: Hundreds turn out for Billy Hines' funeralREAD MORE: Friends and family pay final respects to Kyle WarrenAfter hundreds of people turned out to pay their final respects at the funeral of Billy and Kyle last week, a similar number of tearful friends and relatives hugged and consoled each other as they gathered at St Mary Magdelene Church in Pulham Market to a say a last goodbye to Dominic.
The 18-year-old's closest family and friends walked behind the hearse as the coffin made the short journey from his home in The Harrow, Pulham Market, to the church in Main Road.
Family and friends then gathered in the church and sang the hymn The Lord's My Shepherd, before a series of tributes and poems were read out by those closest to the former Archbishop Sancroft High School (ASHS) student.
The funeral procession arrives for Dominic O'Neill's funeral at Pulham Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
One said he had a 'warm heart' and 'could make anyone laugh', adding: 'His loving character helped him through hard times.
'There's so much to say but not enough words to describe how we feel. He really did have a heart of gold.
'There's no one person who would ever have a bad word to say about him. Dom, you really were one in a million.
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'There will never be anyone who can fill the void in our hearts left by you.'
Friends arrive with a wreath to Dominic O'Neill's funeral at Pulham Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
In his reading, ASHS deputy headteacher Rob Connolly - who taught Dominic at the Harleston school - described him as 'an incredibly special young man'.
READ MORE: Archbishop Sancroft High School holds moving assembly in memory of Dominic O'Neill and Kyle Warren
READ MORE: How community reacted to Pulham Market tragedy
He added: 'Dom had a thirst for life.
Friends arrive at the church for Dominic O'Neill's funeral at Pulham Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
'He was a talented drummer and could often be heard practising for all hours. He even suggested to his mum that their sofa be replaced by a drum kit.
'Dom was very good at getting what he wanted. He had a love for cars and that led him to want to pursue mechanics for a career.
'Everyone here was touched by his humour, his love and his friendship. Friends will always treasure the incredible memories they have of being with Dom.
'No-one had a bad word to say about Dom, because there weren't any.
A sign for a quiet place to remember Dominic O'Neill at the church at Pulham Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
'He was loved by us all and someone who will forever hold a place in our hearts.'
Mr Connolly finished on an apt Bible read from John Chapter 10, Verse 10: 'I've come so they may have life, and have it to the full.'
READ MORE: Area's response to Pulham tragedy has showed the best of our community
READ MORE: Appeal held in memory of Dominic O'Neill
Mourners at the church for Dominic O'Neill's funeral at Pulham Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
The Rev Paul Schwier, who conducted the service, thanked all those who gave tributes.
'It is not easy,' he said. 'But it is lovely when you have personal reflections about someone.'
Music including Tears in Heaven and Westlife's I'll See You Again was played, the coffin leaving the church for the cremation to the sound of Gary Barlow's Let Me Go.
Prayers were said by Canon David Paul.
Dominic O'Neill's funeral procession leaves the church at Pulham Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
Dominic O'Neill's funeral procession leaves the church at Pulham Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
Friends and family leave Dominic O'Neill's funeral at Pulham Market. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2017
Friends leave Dominic O'Neill's funeral at Pulham Market. PICTURE: Denise Bradley - Credit: Archant
Friends leave Dominic O'Neill's funeral at Pulham Market. PICTURE: Denise Bradley - Credit: Archant
Friends leave Dominic O'Neill's funeral at Pulham Market. PICTURE: Denise Bradley - Credit: Archant
Dominic O'Neill, who died in a crash at Pulham Market. Picture: Norfolk Constabulary - Credit: Archant
