Brothers will lead tribute to Donal's 'sporting legacy'
Talented athlete Donal English Hayden, who died in a tragic tractor accident
The brothers of Donal English Hayden, who died when a tractor and trailer in which he was travelling plunged into a river, will bring a collection of his gold medals to the altar as part of a funeral tribute to an "enduring sporting legacy".
The talented 16-year-old athlete died in the accident on Wednesday on the farm of a family friend in Rathoe, Co Carlow.
His brother, Seamus, who injured his leg, has since been released from hospital. Another brother, Mattie, managed to jump to safety.
"His brothers will bring up a whole load of gold medals he won over the years in a range of sports. It will be the centrepiece of the Mass," local parish priest Fr Brendan Howard told the Irish Independent.
"He won gold in high jump, long jump, running, football, hurling and rugby; he was a phenomenal sporting talent."
"One brother saw the trailer moving and managed to jump off. The second fella tried to jump to safety but his leg got entangled. Tragically, Donal was caught under it. Although they managed to keep his head above the water and get him to hospital, unfortunately he didn't survive. Donal's funeral mass will take place at noon tomorrow in St Patrick's Church, Rathoe, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
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