Archie Naughton has been remembered as a boy who packed so much living into his 16 years.
His funeral mass in Roscommon town has heard how the teenager had many talents and showed compassion and humility at all times.
A large crowd gathered to pay their final goodbyes to Archie Naughton at the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon town this morning following his death in the Mater hospital in Dublin last Thursday.
Dozens of people, many wearing the bright orange t-shirts that became symbols of the Join Our Boys charity established to help the Naughton family were also present in the body of the church.
Gifts brought to the altar to symbolise Archie's life included pictures of his family and friends, a pair of headphones, drumsticks and schoolbooks, reflecting his love for music and his many enjoyable years at Roxboro national school and Roscommon Community College.
The mass heard he had many interests which he loved to share with people :
"We will always remember Archie Naughton as a young man who packed an enormous amount of life and living into his 16 short years of life.
Like many, many young people of his time, he loved music, he loves sport and all aspects of life and living and his two beautiful brothers were always very very close to his heart."
His mother Paula also paid tribute to her eldest son in an emotional eulogy at the conclusion of the mass. She told the congregation that Archie made a huge impression on everyone he ever met
"If you were lucky enough to be loved by him, you would soon be given a very original nickname. among his favourites were 'Paddy Shortlegs', 'Scary Mary', The Two Professors, 'Cat With An Eye', 'MJ' and 'The Boss'.
There was a never dull moment when Archie was around and it was impossible to feel miserable or sad in his presence."
She also implored the congregation to assist with Archie’s dying wish to help find a cure or treatment for Duchenne:
"Archie was simply magnificent and irreplaceable. Archie, wherever you are, I hope you can hear this. We are all so privileged you were ours and we will never ever forget you. Thank you for everything darling, rest well and may God continue to bless you."
Following mass Archie was laid to rest at St Coman’s cemetery this afternoon.
