A Liverpool FC flag stood outside a church as Leona Harper was laid to rest.
Leona, 14, was one of the ten victims of the explosion at a petrol station in Creeslough, Co. Donegal on Friday, August 7. Leona, who was a "massive LFC fan", was choosing an ice-cream from the freezer before a sleepover with friends when the blast happened.
Her funeral took place at St Mary’s Church in Ramelton, Co Donegal on Thursday (October 13). A red tractor formed part of the funeral procession, while members from Leona’s school and rugby club lined the streets.
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Among the mourners was President of Ireland Michael D Higgins. Those in attendance heard Leona was “a little lady with a big heart” and a “little miracle”.
Parish priest Father Michael Carney told those gathered that Leona’s mum Donna gave permission for the story of why she was described as “their little miracle” to be told. Father Carney said: “When Anthony, big bro, was born, Donna was told that there was no prospect of her conceiving another child.
“But seven years later something unexpected happened: Leona arrived – hence the little miracle. You, her mum and dad, talk of your daughter as a gem.
“It’s often a line and a term we use about somebody that we love. But given how unexpected and welcome Leona was to you in your life, your little daughter was indeed a precious gem.
“Think of gems – gems shine, gems sparkle, and gems attract us. Leona shone brightly and beautifully throughout her short life, sparkled with energy and fun and attracted so many friends to her circle.”
The church heard that Leona’s two brothers were “so special” to her. Anthony, her “protective” big brother and Jamie, who appeared as “a unit” with Ms Harper in many people’s minds. The priest told mourners of her varied interests, including her love for Liverpool Football Club.
He said: “She was into her music and dance and was developing an eye for hair and fashion. But there was so much more. What I really love to hear, she loved the outdoors."
Father Carney went onto her love of sport, saying: “She was beginning to figure in her rugby club as a gifted player. And like many girls the exploits and success of Kelly Harrington and Katie Taylor had sparked an interest in boxing.
“And, I won’t hold this against her, Liverpool was her team.”
The congregation heard that although Leona’s life was “short and brief”, it was “packed to the brimming”. The priest said: “Leona brightened her world with a gentle but feisty character, a unique personality, a distinctive array of talents and interests which for you, who loved her, were both memorable and life giving.
“It would be a casual oversight of a young person’s life to say they left us before they had achieved anything substantial. Leona may have lived a little life but she lived a very full life.
“Its brevity will make her contribution to her family, to her friends and to her schools all the more radiant and brighter.”
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