Heartbreaking: Funeral takes place of brave Laois teen

The funeral has taken place of a young Laois man, who sadly passed away on Sunday May 25.

Dylan Joseph Steele of Shanganaghbeg, Barrowhouse, Co. Laois passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

Dylan had publicly battled with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) from an early age.

At the age of six, Dylan was facilitated by the Share a Dream Foundation to join an Gardaí Síochána.

He was on duty for the rugby international at Lansdowne road between Ireland and Italy, appearing on Virgin Media and on national media since then.

Pictured: Laois nineteen year old Dylan Steele

Barrowhouse GAA expressed their sympathy with Dylan's family.

"We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to Paula, Liam and Kerrie and the extended Burke and Steele families on the sad passing of Dylan," the club stated.

"Dylan was a great character and a courageous young man who will be fondly remembered by all in Barrowhouse. His Family and Friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís," they said.

"Goodbye Dylan you were so brave. You kept it inside and showed a happy face. You had such a great sense of humour. You carried all that cared for you. It was a pleasure to have helped you in your struggled. RIP Dylan," one person said.

"So heartbroken to hear of the passing of Dylan, the most gorgeous little boy starting in school to the most handsome man he turned into. He will never be forgotten, sleep well Dylan, thinking of all his family at this sad time," another person said.

"What a beautiful little boy, fly high little man with your beloved grand dad. Sincerest condolences to your parents and family. May you all find peace and comfort in the times ahead. May Dylan's soul Rest in Peace," another person wrote.

"Dylan, it was an absolute pleasure to have known you over the past 4 years, you were such a strong character that would light up any room you entered with your sarcasm and cheeky wee smile.

"I feel privileged to have met such a strong courageous young man at just 19 years young. Sincere condolences to Kerri, Paula, Liam & extended family for their loss of a beautiful soul. God give you all the strength to get through this difficult time. May you rest in peace Dylan," one person expressed.

"My deepest condolences for the family of Dylan. Always a nice lad and he loved getting involved in the football back in the day too. Rarely without a smile," another wrote.

Read Dylan's funeral details below.

Dylan Joseph Steele- Shanganaghbeg, Barrowhouse, Laois / Athy, Kildare

"Our beautiful, brave, treasured and cherished Dylan heartbreakingly left this world on Sunday 25th May, 2025 for a better place, to be with his beloved Grandad Noel. Surrounded by his loving family and so many friends he peacefully closed his eyes and gained his angel wings. So deeply loved and adored.

Deeply regretted by his loving mother Paula, Dad Liam, sister Kerri, step-father Tom, step-brother Cian, Nanny Betty, aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends. Rest in Peace.

Reposing at Rigney's Funeral Home, Athy (R14 TX26) on Tuesday evening (May 27th) from 5pm until the conclusion of the Rosary at 8pm. Removal on Wednesday morning (May 28th) to arrive at St. Mary's Church, Barrowhouse for Requiem Mass at 10am. Removal afterwards to Newlands Cross Crematorium for cremation service at 1.30pm.

Life will never be the same without you Dyl. Fly freely now as you are no longer suffering."