Derry teenager Noah Karran has 'left a legacy of goodness' mourners told at funeral

The funeral for Derry teenager Noah Karran has taken place.

Noah tragically passed from the tragic single-vehicle crash in Park, near Claudy, on Thursday morning.

The Requiem Mass took place this afternoon at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown.

Before the mass started, Noah’s sister, Alix, read a poem out in memory of her brother.

Parish priest Fr Eamon Graham described Noah as someone who always ‘put other people first’ and that he ‘has left a legacy of goodness to everybody who knew him’. 

Fr. Graham told mourners that Noah was beloved by his parents, Eamonn and Joanne, and that ‘he looked up to his brothers Lee and Edward; their words were gospel, and he idolised his sisters Alix and Emma.’

Mourners heard that Noah was running his own phone repair shop and loved his motorbike, ‘leaving his helmet and gloves everywhere’.

The symbols of Noah brought forward during the mass included Noah’s motorbike helmet and gloves alongside his phone.

Fr. Graham imparted a number of stories about the 18-year-old that perfectly encapsulated his character as his friends and family recollected upon the memories.

He said: “He was a very gentle soul.

“He opened his own phone repair shop; it just showed you the intelligence that he had. I’m told there is a story in the school that the teacher went in and they were all watching Youtube, as he had hacked into the system in the school and was told off for it. But he said he was only showing how bad the security in the school was.

“He was gentle and wouldn’t hurt a fly, and he lived for the moment.

“He and his girlfriend Kelsileigh were friends from school and inseparable like two peas in a pod.”

Fr. Graham recalled meeting Noah’s parents, Eamonn and Joanne, and the baptism of Noah. 

He said: “I had the privilege of baptising Noah only 18 years ago, and the day of the baptism there was a small group of us who came here for the baptism, but look at the crowd who is here today; look at the people who have come to your home. 

“That is a great indication of the influence that Noah has had on so many people, most of whom you don’t know and have never met.

“Noah had a very short life; he could have easily expected 60 more years, but he has done so much in that short time, and it is all good. There is nothing but words of praise, kindness, care, and love.”

Following the words of the parish priest to remember the character of Noah, a round of applause rang out throughout the church led by Fr. Graham for the family, in support of them as they had supported each other through this tough time.

Noah was buried in the City Cemetery following the Requiem Mass.