FAREWELL TO THE PEOPLE'S CHAMP

Tragic rally driver Craig, 33, laid to rest

- SEAN MURPHY

TRAGIC rally driver Craig Breen was hailed “the people’s champion” as he was laid to rest yesterday. 

His sister Kellie told the huge crowd who attended the service in Waterford that it was “mission accomplished” in his goal to “make people proud”.

Craig died aged 33 last Thursday during a pre-test rally event in Croatia.

His devastated parents Jackie and Ray remembered their “treasured son” yesterday as they led mourners with Kellie into the packed Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank, for his funeral Mass.

His coffin, draped in a tricolour, was carried in to Coldplay’s hit song Yellow while Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars was played later.

On the coffin was placed a picture of Craig as a boy in a go-kart, while gifts and symbols from his life were taken to the altar, including his helmet, a trophy, Barry's Tea teabags, and his rally gloves.

Parish priest Fr Kieran O'Shea said: "Teabags were the fuel that Craig and cars ran on." He added: "We gather with immense sadness and grief. How do you find the words for all of this? It's nearly impossible. It is an unbelievably sad day.