Murdered Dublin schoolgirl Michaela Davis has been remembered as a vibrant and generous youngster, at times too eager to grow up quickly.
As the 12-year-old made her final journey through west Dublin on Thursday, a parish priest called for a better society where children could be protected, treasured and flourished.
Father John Daly told mourners attending Michaela's funeral Mass in St Mochta's Church, Porterstown, that the youngster was like a sunflower reaching out and up - recalling the theme of her First Communion four years ago.
"All of us knew Michaela was eager to grow up, too eager at times," he said.
"She pushed the boundaries in many ways but she wanted to grow up so much and so quickly.
"But all of us know like a sunflower there's also dangers to that as well because the sunflower in growing too quickly becomes vulnerable to external forces, to the winds that can gush it from side to side."
Coffin
Michaela's white coffin was carried into the church by her father and brother, both called Brendan, and close relatives.
Her distraught mother Deirdre and grandmother were comforted behind.
The churchyard was packed with children and teenage boys and girls from several schools around the area.
Many clutched hands and sobbed openly as they formed a guard of honour for their friend, whose body was found in undergrowth beside the Royal Canal in Porterstown last Saturday afternoon.
Jonathan Byrne, 18, from Lohunda Downs, a few streets from Michaela's home, is being held on remand charged with her murder. He is due back in court on Friday.
Fr Daly said children of today were being pushed and forced to grow up much quicker than before.
"They have to contend with things at a much earlier age than we ever did," he continued.
"More than ever we need to provide the right environment to help them flourish and fulfil their dreams.
"All of us have to have the courage to get actively involved to work to create the best society for our young people.
"They are our greatest treasure."
Fr Daly described Michaela as a kind and generous, vibrant child who loved make-up and was proud as punch to have started secondary school - but admitted she was no teacher's pet.
"All of you who knew Michaela would know she was like any 12-year-old girl, she was full of chat, full of fun, full of energy and eagerness for life," he said.
He told hundreds of mourners that Michaela had returned to the church where she had celebrated her christening, First Communion and most recently her Confirmation, each time wearing white.
"I know her mom and dad hoped and longed that the next time that Michaela came to this church dressed in white would be for another celebration," he said.
"But today, too soon, again they have to bring her to church, again dressed in white, for a new beginning."
A white pall was draped over her coffin.
Choirs from Luttrellstown Community College, where Michaela had just started secondary school, and St Mochta's National School where she spent several years, sang during the service.
Michaela's brother, a close friend, relations and school principals read prayers of the faithful, readings and carried gifts - which included her photograph, a bar of chocolate, an angle and a cuddly toy.
"It's just a reminder to us that Michaela was 12, she was only a little girl," he added.
Local politicians, including finance minister Brian Lenihan and Labour's Joan Burton, and senior gardai who led the murder probe attended the Mass.
The priest called on Michaela's family, friends, classmates and community to find the gift of courage to move forward from this day.
As her coffin was led from the church for its final destination in Clonsilla churchyard, the JLS track Heal This Heartbreak was played over the outdoor speaker system.
In a message from her parents and brother, Fr Daly thanked the gardai, community, their children's friends and schools for the support shown in recent days.
"Lastly, to give thanks to Michaela for her life, her love, her energy and all the other things that she brought to so many and which has been cut short. We pray that she is at rest and peace and enjoying the new beginning, a new life, a new energy with God," Fr Daly ended.
© Press Association