BANDING TOGETHER FOR FAN

Kodaline turn up to funeral of tragic teen who died at their gig to play emotional farewell song

Band jet in from UK to say goodbye to Ciara Lawlor, 17, after her death at Marlay Park concert

Amanda Devlin

Published: 17:03, 13 Jul 2016
Updated: 10:47, 14 Jul 2016

THE family of a tragic teen who died at a Kodaline concert were surprised with a visit from the Irish rock band at her funeral today.

They flew from the UK to pay an emotional musical tribute for their fan Ciara Lawlor who died of heart failure at their Marlay Park, Dublin gig.

Kodaline fan Ciara Lawlor died of heart failure aged just 17 at the band's gig

They arrived unannounced to pay tribute to the teen at her funeral today — They arrived unannounced to pay tribute to the teen at her funeral todayCredit: Garrett White

The band arrived unannounced at the St John’s Church in Kilkenny city yesterday to say goodbye to the 17-year-old.

In a deeply emotional moment the band emerged from a side door at the end of the service and played their hit Love Will Set Free.

Hundreds of mourners wept openly and hugged as the band played the song to the congregation.

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Fr Frank Purcell introduced the band to the shocked congregation.

He said: “There are some people here today who would also like to pay tribute to Ciara. They are here in an entirely private, personal capacity.

“It is not a publicity stunt or anything like that.

"So the lads who entertained Ciara in her final hour came across from the UK to pay their heart felt tribute.”

Ciara Lawlor's coffin is carried by friends at family at her funeral in Kilkenny City — Ciara Lawlor's coffin is carried by friends at family at her funeral in Kilkenny CityCredit: Garrett White

Her devastated parents John and Eimear Lawlor pictured at the funeral after their daughter dropped dead of heart failure — Her devastated parents John and Eimear Lawlor pictured at the funeral after their daughter dropped dead of heart failureCredit: Garrett White

Ciara's heartbroken friends cling to each other for comfort as they say their goodbyes

Teen girls from Ciara's school walk to her funeral dressed in their uniform in tribute — Teen girls from Ciara's school walk to her funeral dressed in their uniform in tributeCredit: Garrett White

There wasn't a dry eye there as hundreds gathered in memory of 17-year-old Ciara

Teenage girls clung to each other weeping as they said goodbye to their friend — Teenage girls clung to each other weeping as they said goodbye to their friendCredit: Garrett White

Others weep on the steps outside the church after the service — Others weep on the steps outside the church after the serviceCredit: Garrett White

Her funeral was held at St John's Church, this afternoon

Vinny May from the band spoke briefly after they finished the song.

He said: “We really didn’t know Ciara – we were informed on Friday evening that she died at our gig.

“I don’t really know what to say but I just want to send, on behalf of us and all of our crew and all of our fans, our condolences. Thank you.”

They then helped the church musical group to play High Hopes as Ciara’s coffin was taken from the church.

Kodaline at the funeral of 17-year-old Ciara Lawlor at St John's Church, Kilkenny this afternoon

Tragic teen Ciara died of heart failure at the concert in Marlay Park last Friday.

HIS is the tragic teenager who died following the Kodaline gig on Friday night.

The 17-year-old fell ill while with friends and was rushed to the venue’s medical centre.

Staff desperately tried to save her life on site before taking her to Tallaght Hospital where she later died.

Ciara had a pre-existing heart condition which is believed to be the cause of her tragic death.

Her parents John and Eimear and brothers Jack and Barry told how they are “heartbroken” at the loss of the “beloved” teenager.

In an RIP.ie notice, they said she will be “sadly missed by her heartbroken parents and brothers, her uncles and aunts, her cousins, relatives and her many friends”.

Kodaline's Conor Linnane attends the funeral of his teenage fan — Kodaline's Conor Linnane attends the funeral of his teenage fanCredit: Garrett White

Frontman on the group Steve Garrigan was surrounded by Ciara's family and friends thanking him for coming — Frontman on the group Steve Garrigan was surrounded by Ciara's family and friends thanking him for comingCredit: Garrett White

In a Facebook at the time, Dublin band Kodaline paid tribute to the teenager and said they were “devastated” at the news.

In a post on their Facebook account, they said: “We are so saddened to say that during our concert at Marlay Park, a 17-year-old girl with a pre-existing medical condition suddenly became ill.

“The expert on-site medical team (including doctors and paramedics) immediately treated the girl, who was transferred directly to hospital by an on-site ambulance.

“We were shocked and devastated to be informed yesterday that despite the best efforts of all medical teams, she passed away in hospital.”

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