Funerals held for teenagers killed in St. Patrick's Day tragedy

By Q Radio News

The funerals of three teenagers who died outside a hotel disco in Northern Ireland are taking place in Tyrone today.

Lauren Bullock, 17, Connor Currie, 16, and Morgan Barnard, 17, died after a crush at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, on Sunday.

Cookstown and the surrounding area has been left reeling by the tragedy.

Morgan Barnard's funeral took place in St Patrick's Church, Dungannon, at 10am.

Lauren Bullock is being laid to rest after a service in St Patrick's Church, Donaghmore, which began at 11am.

Connor Currie's funeral is being held in St Malachy's Church, Edendork at 2pm.

Connor's Gaelic football club, Edendork GAC, huddle around his coffin as a mark of respect. #Greenvale pic.twitter.com/hfR82qeA4T

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 22 March 2019

Connor Currie's coffin is carried into the church in Edendork. Edendork GAC formed a guard of honour along with school pupils and friends. #Greenvale pic.twitter.com/jT4a6fJH9s

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 22 March 2019

Archbishop Eamon Martin stops to speak to attendees of Connor Currie's funeral. @ArchbishopEamon #Greenvale pic.twitter.com/ty3JK8Y3H1

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 22 March 2019

(Lauren Bullock's family carry her coffin into church led by the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin)

Sinn Fein members have arrived including @MaryLouMcDonald, @moneillsf and @FrancieMolloy. #Greenvale pic.twitter.com/4s7hPwPlnD

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 22 March 2019

Tributes and flowers adorned on Morgan Barnard's hearse from family and friends. His distressed mother was consoled by relatives as the coffin entered the church. Hundreds lined behind the hearse as the remains entered the church grounds. #Greenvale pic.twitter.com/BzoWitybEL

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 22 March 2019

Motorists are advised by the PSNI to expect delays throughout the day due to the funeral services.

St Patrick's Academy Principal Catherine McHugh stand with pupils as they await the funeral cortege. #Greenvale pic.twitter.com/nJDXU7yI1h

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 22 March 2019

The families said they are grateful to witnesses who have spoken to the PSNI and urged anyone else who saw what happened to come forward and give their account to investigators.

A police statement issued on behalf of the families said: "The families want to find out exactly what happened to their children and have asked people to cooperate fully with the police investigation.

"The three families would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the local community for their support since the tragic events of Sunday night.

"The families would also like to thank the emergency services who responded at the scene and the staff at Antrim Area Hospital."

Mourners look on as Morgan Barnard's cortege makes it's way to St Patrick's Church. #Greenvale pic.twitter.com/VYjs0lAzR0

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 22 March 2019

Morgan's family said they will remember him as loving the simple things in life.

"He volunteered for a number of things including working at the local Cancer Research shop," they said.

"He always had a smile for everyone and brightened up the classroom with his humour."

Connor's family thanked the staff at Antrim Area Hospital, paramedics, ambulance staff, PSNI and members of public who helped him.

Lauren was described by her family as a "very thoughtful and caring young girl who was outgoing and fun loving".

Michael McElhatton, 52, who owns the Greenvale Hotel, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. He has since been bailed and will return for further questioning in future, police said.

A 40-year-old man remained in police custody for questioning on Thursday night.