During the farewell to 18-year-old Mantas Jurkevičius, who lived in Ireland, a touching detail emerged – after his death, he donated his organs and thus saved the lives of four people.
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At the funeral held in Kingscourt on Friday, Father Gerry McCormack emphasized that Mantas was generous not only in life but also after death.
“Mantas was generous in life and no less generous after death. By donating his organs, he gave hope, life, and a second chance to people awaiting transplantation. Thanks to Mantas, their lives have changed forever,” the priest said.
According to him, Mantas’ decision gave life to four people and their families.
“Through his sacrifice, he brought life, light, and love to four people and their loved ones. He gave the invaluable gift of life,” the clergyman said.
At the farewell ceremony, Mantas was remembered as a friendly, helpful, polite, respectful, warm, and talented young man.
“He was exceptionally gifted – he spoke several languages, was an excellent footballer, taught himself to play the guitar, loved tennis, camping, and fishing. But his greatest passion was dancing. Mantas was a talented ballroom dancer. We all saw how confidently and elegantly he commanded the dance floor – his performances were simply impeccable,” the priest said.
Addressing Mantas’ parents, Marius and Renata, he thanked them for their love and care for their son.
“We must acknowledge what you have done for your son. You were wonderful, caring parents who gave him both strong roots and wings,” the priest said.
Died after an attack
Mantas Jurkevičius died on July 15 at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin – more than three weeks after he was brutally attacked in Navan on the night of June 21.
The young man lived in Kingscourt, worked at Tesco in Navan, and studied at TU Dublin University. He spent his childhood in Ashbourne, attended De Lacy College, played football for Killegland FC, and was known as a talented ballroom dancer. Later, he moved with his family to Kingscourt, where he attended Coláiste Dún an Rí school.
He is mourned by his parents Renata and Marius, sister Austėja, relatives, and a large circle of friends.
Community shocked
Navan Mayor Francis Deane said the community was shocked by the young man’s death.
“This is a very sad time. The entire community is shocked,” he said.
Kingscourt Councillor Clifford Kelly emphasized that the loss had shaken the entire town.
“We were devastated by the news of the loss of a young man who was in the prime of his life. His family are decent and respected people, and I sincerely sympathize with them at this painful time,” the politician said.
Hundreds of touching farewell messages poured in on social media and in condolence books.
A former colleague from Tesco wrote: “Our wonderful Mantas, rest in peace. It was an honor to work with you. Our thoughts are with your family and friends. May you dance with angels in heaven. Forever young.”
Neighbors remembered his smile and friendliness, and a former coach said that Mantas was always energetic, brave, and enthusiastic on the football field, and off it – extremely polite, never forgetting to thank his coaches with a handshake after every training session or match.
Investigation continues
Irish police (Garda) continue to investigate the attack that occurred on the night of June 21 at a bar on Watergate Street in Navan.
Artūras Mauruca, 36, living in the Clonmagadden area, Navan, is accused of serious assault. He has been charged in connection with the attack at The Watergate Bar and Kitchen on June 21.
The court imposed bail conditions on the man – he must notify the police of any change of address, not communicate with witnesses, surrender his passport, not apply for new travel documents, and report to the police station three times a week.
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