The funeral of Irish rally driver Craig Breen has taken place in Waterford, with emotional tributes paid to the late motorsport star.
Breen was tragically killed last Thursday in a crash during pre-testing for the WRC Croatia event, with his co-pilot James Fulton unharmed.
The death of 33-year-old Breen has left the Irish motorsport world in mourning, and huge crowds lined the streets of Ferrybank in Waterford on Tuesday to pay tribute to their fallen hero.
Craig Breen: Irish rally hero's funeral takes place in Waterford
Craig Breen's funeral cortège was led by one of his rally cars, with family members, schoolchildren, and racing fans lining the streets of his home town of Ferrybank.
Craig Breen’s funeral cortège arriving at Ferrybank @rtenews pic.twitter.com/wfwvEW9mmm
— Conor Kane (@ConorKane0909) April 18, 2023
In the aftermath of Breen's untimely death, numerous tributes have been announced by the World Rally Championship and his Hyundai team.
Hyundai have announced their plans to run a special commemmorative livery in honour of Breen for this weekend's World Rally Championship event in Croatia, while the organisers of the WRC have announced that the number 42 which adorned Breen's car will be retired with immediate effect.
Elsewhere, major figures from the world of motorsport such as F1 race winner Valtteri Bottas, and European Rally Champion Chris Ingram were among those to share their condolences in the days following Breen's death.
Thoughts with Craig Breen, his family, friends and all of the rallying community today. 💚🤍🧡 pic.twitter.com/7zMNbEBssu
— Chris Ingram (@ChrisIngramGB) April 18, 2023
Shocking news. RIP @Craig_Breen 🍀 https://t.co/DxyWKIJHt3
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) April 13, 2023
Today we say goodbye to craig Breen 😭😭😭 https://t.co/awtmRuN2NG
— john kenny (@JohnKennyMedia) April 18, 2023
Craig Breen's funeral mass got underway at 1pm on Tuesday, with the service livestreamed online.
Breen's sister Kellie spoke during the service, after Fr Kieran O'Shea had shared stories of Breen's kindness and affection for tea.
Kellie Breen's tribute Craig was as beautiful as it was heartbreaking, with her words speaking to the hole her brother has left in his family's hearts:
Craig left behind a truckload of fond memories and hilarious stories. He was a rogue for always leaving a little job after him. And this one is by far the hardest.
It seemed the world wanted him to do what he loved best. He was always a bit different and unpredictable, you never got a boring answer from our Craig.
He was happiest whenever he was tearing around in whatever gave him the fastest speed.
He was ridiculously generous and poured a lot of what he got back into the sport. Our family really did share Craig with the world, but on the occasions when he did make it home, he loved nothing more than a Domino’s and Gogglebox.
His career guidance teacher said the same thing every year, ‘I don’t know what planet he lives on, but he thinks he’s going to drive cars for a living. You’ll have to have another word’.
His school year send-off quote was that he wanted to make people proud. Craig, I can safely say, mission accomplished.
