Heartbreaking scenes as road tragedy victim laid to rest

There were heartbreaking scenes this morning at the funeral of Adrian Mullan, the Derry man killed in a road accident in Co Donegal at the weekend.

The 42-year-old father of three, from Amelia Court in the Ballyarnett of the city, died after he was struck by a van while cycling on the Redcastle to Gleneely road at around 9.15am on Saturday.

A second cyclist was taken to hospital for treatment to an arm injury.

Both were members of the Derry-based Foyle Cycling Club, members of which formed a guard of honour as Mr Mullan’s remains were taken into and from St Brigid’s Church in Carnhill.

Speaking during the service, Fr Micheal McGavigan told mourners his sudden death had “stunned and shocked!” those who knew him.

Fr McGavigan added: “We still cannot take in the full reality of what has happened, even as we perform the funeral rites four days after the tragic accident.

Fr McGavigan said Mr Mullan’s “story” was one of “kindness, charity and good humour.”

He added: “As a young man losing his brother to cancer, he was inspired to make a difference and worked tirelessly to support the hospice.

“His skill and his passion for cycling, and the outdoors, enabled to him see the beauty of God’s creation from a different perspective while raising much needed money for charity.”

Mr Mullan as laid to rest in the City Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, daughters Gemma and Rachel and son Joshua.

He is the son of Mary and the late Aiden Mullan and a brother of Thomas, Majella and the late Joseph.