'˜We're going to miss you Scott - the hole you've left is enormous'

Hundreds of people had to stand outside a packed church on Sunday as they gathered to pay tribute to a Dromara father-of-one who died in a car crash last week.
Scott McNeillScott McNeill
Scott McNeill

Mechanic Scott McNeill (21) died after a Wednesday night collision on the Ballynahinch Road in the Carryduff area.

He is survived by two-year-old son Sam, parents David and Patricia, brother and sister Andrew and Jemma.

Scott’s brother Andrew said Magherahamlet Presbyterian Church and hall wre overflowing during the funeral.

Flowers were designed in the champion ‘Autograss’ (soil surface) motor racer’s team colours, with every flower arrangement car themed.

Speaking ahead of the funeral, the Rev David Hyndman of Magherahamlet Presbyterian said Scott had grown up in the church and had been a member of the Boys’ Brigade.

“He was just a typical young man,” said the minister, “really full of enthusiasm and excitement for life, but with a very caring heart.”

Mourners played Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol as they made their way to church and also See You Again by Wiz Khalfia and Charlie Puth, which was written as a tribute to US actor Paul Walker.

One of Scott’s heroes, Walker was the star of the ‘Fast and the Furious’ movies and himself died in a road crash last year. “We also had two of his race cars at the church,” said Andrew, “while fellow motor racers formed a guard of honour.

“A huge thank you from the family to all those attended. We definitely felt it was a service that celebrated his very jam-packed life.”

Andrew and his sister Jemma delivered a lengthy eulogy in which they said: “He enjoyed going to the rallies and loved seeing cars drive as fast as they could go. Within Down Autograss Scott managed to win Junior Champion when he was 16 in September 2010.”

They added: “We’re going to miss you, Scott – the hole you’ve left is enormous but the memories you have left behind in your very jam-packed life are enough to last a lifetime.”