A teenager who lost his life in a drowning incident in Co Donegal has been remembered for his kindness and charm, reports Breaking News.
Emmanuel Familola (16), who was originally from Nigeria, passed away last weekend.
During a funeral service held on Saturday morning at St Mary’s Oratory in Buncrana, he was remembered as a cherished eldest child who had recently completed work experience at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.
Buncrana Parish Priest, Father Francis Bradley, described Emmanuel as an “outstanding student who always gave his all,” reports Breaking News.
“He carried a calm magnetism that transcended social, ethnic and cultural lines. His warmth and charm spoke every language and touched every heart,” he said to those gathered, reports Breaking News.
Among the mourners was Commandant Joe Glennon, aide de camp to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who also represented Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris.
Emmanuel and 18-year-old Matt Sibanda, originally from Zimbabwe, both died in the tragic event last weekend.
They had been playing football on Saturday and entered the water after a ball, but quickly got into trouble, reports Breaking News.
Matt’s body was discovered in Lough Swilly on Saturday evening. Emmanuel was rescued and brought to Letterkenny University Hospital but died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A vigil was held in Buncrana on Sunday evening in their memory, with another taking place in Derry on Monday evening, reports Breaking News.
Both teenagers had been living with their families in different international protection centres in Buncrana.
Local schoolchildren formed a guard of honour outside St Mary’s Oratory ahead of Emmanuel’s funeral service on Saturday, reports Breaking News.
Father Bradley, speaking before the mass, described the occasion as one of deep sorrow.
“This time last week, life changed unimaginably for so many in just a few moments when tragedy struck once more at Lough Swilly,” he said, reports Breaking News.
“Emmanuel was wise beyond his years because of everything he had been through. But he didn’t let those difficult experiences define him. Instead, he saw them as chances to help himself and others move forward and rise in life,” reports Breaking News.
The funeral mass for Matt is expected to take place next week.
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