Mourners heard that a Co Londonderry schoolgirl was a “lovely and gentle soul” who had a “short life, lived to the full” following her tragic death.
Caitlin-Rose McMullan (11) died shortly after being struck by a car on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident happened just outside the village of Castledawson, near her family home on Broagh Road, shortly after she had exited a school bus.
She was rushed to hospital in Belfast but sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Funeral of Caitlin-Rose McMullan in Bellaghy on the 9th March 2025 (Luke Jervis)
The St Pius X College pupil was laid to rest following Requiem Mass in the Church of St Mary, Bellaghy on Sunday.
During the service Caitlin-Rose was described as a “lovely gentle soul to God, gone all too quickly.”
Gifts including her passport, photograph’s, make-up, artwork, and a teddy bear, were placed at the altar beside a floral arrangement.
“These life symbols capture something for us about her,” said Monsignor Andrew Dolan. “Caitlin-Rose wasn’t into camogie or football, as strange as it may seem. For her, she was big into style.
“Caitlin-Rose loved to travel. If I were to list all the places in the world that she has been, believe it or not, it would sound like I was calling out the map of the world. Those travels bring people together and create precious memories.
Caitlin Rose McMullan. Photo: McCusker Bros Funeral Directors
“A love of style, a girl who had a flair and taste for things artistic—a creative person.
“She was well-known for her drawing, and her specialty was drawings of animals. Make-up, shopping, and spending money, I am told, were passions of Caitlin-Rose. The teddy representing her source of comfort.
“The gift that was Caitlin-Rose will be one that will continue to give precious memories.
“At the wake, I noticed in her bedroom there was a collage of photographs on the wall depicting what I am trying to say about a short life lived to the full.”
Funeral of Caitlin-Rose McMullan in Bellaghy on the 9th March 2025 (Luke Jervis)
Msgr. Andrew Dolan also reflected on the tragedy, saying: “Parents don’t ever expect to be burying their child. As grandparents, you would never contemplate burying your child’s child. A lovely, gentle soul of God, gone all too quickly.”
Music played in the church included the popular children’s song “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen.
During the funeral service, a family member shared a memory from a recent holiday to Thailand.
He explained how he, Caitlin-Rose, and other family members were in the sea playing a game, with Caitlin on his shoulders. After winning, they celebrated with a victory dance.
He described the moment as “a memory of Caitlin I will cherish forever, in the way we should all remember her – for her funny, kind, and caring soul.”
The funeral of Caitlin-Rose McMullan. Photo: Luke Jervis
Described as a “very popular girl who was always smiling,” staff at St Pius X College said they felt “profound sadness” at the loss of one the first-year pupil.
They extended their condolences to her grieving family and friends, including Caitlin’s brother Shea, who also attends the school.
“Her form teachers described her as ‘a joy to teach due to her kind and fun-loving nature.’ She was an outgoing, bubbly, and caring child who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike,” the statement read.
“Over the course of Year 8, Caitlin-Rose earned numerous accolades for excellent effort and outstanding classwork, approaching every assignment with interest and enthusiasm.”
“Caitlin-Rose’s friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services.”
Education Minister Paul Givan expressed his shock and sadness over the tragedy.
“As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news,” he said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident.”
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News Catch Up – Sunday 9 March