“HE WAS OUR SUNSHINE” — FAMILY SAYS HEARTBREAKING GOODBYE TO PETER MULCAIRE, 2, AFTER TRAGIC ROAD DEATH

A grieving family has said a heartbreaking final goodbye to two-year-old Peter Mulcaire, remembered as the “sunshine” and “pride” of his family after his life was tragically cut short in Rathkeale, County Limerick.

Peter’s funeral Mass was held at St Mary’s Church in Rathkeale, where family, friends and members of the local community gathered to remember a little boy whose smile, laughter and playful personality had touched so many people.

PETER HAD ONLY JUST STARTED PRESCHOOL

Peter had only recently begun preschool when tragedy struck.

His older brother Jim, who had just started junior infants, had walked Peter into his first preschool class, described by Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon as the beginning of a “new adventure.”

But only days later, Peter’s family was preparing for his funeral.

During the service, the priest told mourners that Peter had been his family’s “sunshine” and “pride.”

His parents, Kerrie and James, were joined in their grief by Peter’s older brother Jim and his baby sister, Delilah.

“HIS SMILE COULD BRIGHTEN ANY ROOM”

Peter was remembered as a happy, mischievous little boy who loved talking, animals and spending time with his family.

Fr Fitzgibbon said Peter had been the “life and soul” of his new classroom and was affectionately known as a “loveable rogue.”

His favourite book was Noah’s Ark, reflecting his love of animals.

He also adored his dogs Fluffy, Rocky and Molly, as well as his ponies, Spot and Millie.

His mother Kerrie had described how Peter’s smile could brighten any room — a memory reflected in the song chosen for his funeral: “You Are My Sunshine.”

HIS FAVOURITE SONGS FILLED THE CHURCH

Peter’s favourite songs, “You Are My Sunshine” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” were played during the emotional funeral Mass.

Family members brought personal items that represented different parts of Peter’s short life.

His parents brought forward his buggy, while a bridle and rope represented his love of his ponies.

His grandmother left a chocolate bar, while his brother Jim brought Peter’s school bag.

The church was also filled with photographs and floral tributes celebrating the little boy and his family.

Loved ones wore pink T-shirts featuring Peter’s photograph and the words “Forever 2.”

Characters from some of Peter’s favourite cartoons, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, PAW Patrol, Peppa Pig and Mario, were also present outside the church.

HIS BABY SISTER WAS BAPTISED BESIDE HIM

One of the most poignant moments came when Peter’s baby sister Delilah was baptised during the same Mass.

It was carried out at the wishes of Peter’s family so that, in the words of the priest, Peter could still be part of that special family occasion.

Delilah wore the same white shawl that Peter, Jim and their father James had worn for their own baptisms.

For a grieving family, it became a deeply personal way of keeping Peter connected to his little sister and the family moments he would no longer be there to share.

THE TRAGEDY THAT SHATTERED THE FAMILY

Peter died after being struck by a vehicle near his home in Abbeycourt, Rathkeale, shortly before 4pm on September 5.

He was reportedly playing outside when the collision happened.

The vehicle involved did not remain at the scene.

Peter was taken for emergency treatment before being transferred by air ambulance to University Hospital Limerick, where he was later pronounced dead.

Gardaí subsequently arrested a man in his 30s at another location on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant for the purpose of providing an evidential blood or urine sample.

He was released pending analysis of the sample.

The investigation remains ongoing, with Gardaí examining CCTV and appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage from the area around the time of the incident.

“BEYOND WORDS”

The tragedy sent shockwaves through Rathkeale.

Fr Fitzgibbon previously described the grief felt across the community as “literally beyond words.”

The community rallied around Peter’s family, with local schools and members of the public coming together to pay their respects.

At the funeral, Peter’s coffin was carried from the church by loved ones before being placed in a hearse and a carriage led by four white horses for the journey to his final resting place at New Cemetery, Rathkeale.

For Peter’s family, the farewell was a celebration of the little boy he was — full of energy, mischief, laughter and love.

His life lasted only two years.

But to those who knew him, Peter left memories that will remain long after the tears have fallen.

He was his family’s sunshine. And he will never be forgotten.