'Sleep tight, beautiful girl' - Family of Katie Graham lay 19-year-old to rest in Laois

The melody of "Jealous Of The Angels" echoed through the speakers of The Church of the Sacred Heart, Arles this Monday morning, as the white coffin of 19-year-old Katie Graham was tenderly laid before the altar.

Sporting colorful bows on their lapels in her memory, the communities of Ballinagall, Ballickmoyler, and beyond, came together to bid farewell to "beautiful soul" Katie, who passed away in a tragic car collision that also claimed the lives of her two friends in Carlow last Wednesday.

Eight symbols of young Katie's vibrant life were brought forward by her family, each reflecting a facet of her personality and passions.

These included a cherished family photo, encapsulating Katie's deep love for her family, followed by a number plate bearing Katie's name, reflecting her passion for cars and motorsport inherited from her father, Damien, and uncles.

A Kilkenny jersey underscored Katie's allegiance to her roots, despite living in Laois, before Katie's younger cousin presented a teddy of Disney character Stitch, a testament to their special bond and shared interests.

Next, a jewelry box symbolised Katie's love for silver jewelry and her impeccable sense of style, before a target shooting board, representing her shared moments at the shooting range with her father, was brought to the altar.

One of Katie's many handbags, placed gently beside the others, reflected her keen sense of fashion. Finally, a small bottle of nail varnish signified Katie's joyful moments spent manicuring her cousin's nails.

In a heartfelt eulogy, Katie's friend Sharon described the young woman as "a beautiful soul inside and out," with a smile that would "light up any room" and was "completely infectious."

Always "up for the laugh," Sharon recounted many nights Katie would sit on the couch laughing with her mother, watching videos on TikTok, and "always in good form."

Sharon described how Katie would drive her sister Laura to school, and always with a positive smile would look towards her sibling and say "today is going to be a good day," adding, "they had each other's backs."

Katie, who previously went to Castlecomer Community School, was now attending Dublin City University (DCU) and was pursuing her dream of becoming a primary school teacher, just like her grandmother before her. "We all knew Katie would reach her full potential," Sharon stated.

Predeceased by her brother Noel Jnr and grandparents Síle and Noel, Katie is survived by her loving parents Damien and Breda, sister Laura, and grandparents Andy and Mary (Hosey), along with extended family and numerous friends.

Before Katie's burial in the adjoining cemetery, Sharon left parting words to her friend, serving as a final goodbye on behalf of those who cherished her: "Katie, you impacted all our lives so deeply. We will miss you every single day. Although you got your wings much too early, fly high and sleep tight, beautiful girl."