*St John the Baptist Church in Ballyea.
FUNERAL details have been announced for Ballyea teenager TJ Chambers.
TJ will repose at St. John the Baptist Church in Ballyea this Thursday evening from 3pm with prayers at 6pm. His funeral mass takes place on Friday at 1pm followed by burial in Ballyea Church grounds.
A traffic system will be in operation for Thursday evening with mourners asked to enter via Darragh Cross and Tiermaclane Cross and exit via Newhall Cross.
On Saturday, TJ died in a single vehicle road collision outside Crusheen. He was a fifth year student at St Flannan’s College.
With his native Ballyea, TJ lined out at all levels for the local hurling team.
In a statement, Ballyea GAA club stated, “We are all heartbroken at the loss of TJ. At just 16, TJ had already made such a positive impact on our club, not just as a very promising hurler but he was also helpful, kind, respectful and genuine. He was known for his strong work ethic especially in his love of farming and in the backs on the hurling field. He will remain a treasured teammate and friend and his absence will be deeply felt throughout our club and community forever. TJ will always be remembered as part of Ballyea GAA and will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to have known him in his short life. Bed of Heaven to you TJ. Sleep tight and Rest in Peace”.
“We in Ballyea GAA respectfully acknowledge TJs family’s wish for privacy while they try to absorb what has happened and the sudden loss of their beloved TJ.
Please know that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers as the entire club and community stands with you in quiet support and solidarity,” the statement added.
St Flannan’s College opened the school on Monday to classmates of TJ’s to roll out support services for those affected by his death including the presence of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). The school has also initiated its critical incident management plan.
