Tributes paid to '˜bubbly' teenager Lesley-Ann McCarragher during funeral

In his sermon Rev Tony Davidson described Lesley-Ann as a ‘unique person’ of whom her parents James and Liz were justly proud.

The 19-year-old died in hospital after being struck in a hit-and-run incident while out running on the Monaghan Road at the weekend.

Lesley-Ann was airlifted to hospital where she later died of her injuries.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with causing her death.

Opening his address Rev Davidson said: “About 12 noon on Saturday Lesley-Ann McCarragher slipped on her running gear. She stepped out of the house and she ran. It was reported that she was jogging. For the record, Lesley-Ann did not jog. Lesley-Ann did power running.

“She ran fast with music in her ears, a smile on her face, elegance in her stride, and joy on her heart. Her legs pumped, her arms flailed, her pony tail bobbed.”

Rev Davidson told mourners how Lesley-Ann’s life had been “tragically cut short” on Saturday afternoon.

“In one second everything changed,” Rev Davidson said.

“Lesley-Ann was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The family would like to thank all who helped at the scene, as well as the emergency services, doctors, and nurses who cared for her both at the scene and in the hospital. Thank you to neighbours and friends who have been supportive and helpful especially those who have helped out on the Murray and McCarragher farms over the last few days. In the midst of tragedy we have seen the very best of human nature.

“What happened proves to us how fragile life is; how plans do not always work out; how tragically fallen the world is.

“Lesley-Ann’s tragic death urges us all to participate in the most important run in life to run with Jesus.”