“Mikey’s tragic death has left many in our community deeply shocked and deeply saddened at the suddenness, the arbitrary nature of it all.”
irishmirror.ie and Lauren Harte
15:24, 27 Nov 2025Updated 15:24, 27 Nov 2025
Mikey Brown died in a weekend road crash in Co Antrim
A priest at the funeral of one of the two victims of a weekend road crash in Co Antrim has paid tribute to a young man “full of life, fun and joy with great ambitions and plans”.
Mikey Brown and Layla Douglas, who were both in their 20s, lost their lives in a collision involving a grey Skoda Fabia and a grey Cupra Formentor on the Lurgan Road in Glenavy shortly after 6.25pm on Saturday night.
The funeral of Mikey Brown, who was 22 and from Crumlin Road in Glenavy, took place on Thursday.
Mourners at St. Joseph’s Church in Glenavy heard Canon Colm McBride say it was an “extraordinary, desperately sad occasion and not something that any of us expected to be here on this day, doing what we’re about to do.”
He described Mikey as a young man “full of life, fun and joy with great ambitions and plans”.
Canon McBride added: “Mikey’s tragic death has left many in our community deeply shocked and deeply saddened at the suddenness, the arbitrary nature of it all.
“We may feel that we have no words for you, Theresa and Michael and the girls, which would comfort you at this time. But have no doubt that even beyond your family and friends and those here present, there are many more in the community who are thinking and praying for you as you try to come to terms with this tragedy which has engulfed your family.
“As we gather this afternoon, we are also mindful of Mikey’s friend Layla, that her family are sharing the same turmoil. Today, once again, the mystery of life and death overwhelms. This rupture of your family is heartbreaking and the circumstances are disturbing and prompt futile questions such as ‘what if or if only’.
“Mikey’s tragic death once again challenges us. We take so much for granted. We take our plans and presume too much that every day but is a precious gift, every journey and achievement.”
He added: “At the age of 22, we could rightly imagine that like any young man, Mikey had plans for his life, ambitions for what he might do or could achieve, friendships and relationships were all ahead of him.
“At his birth, Mikey truly was an answer to Theresa’s prayers and ever after he was her blue-eyed golden boy.”
Paying tribute to the past pupil of Ballymacrickett Primary School and Crumlin High School, Canon McBride said: “In truth, Mikey, he wasn’t a great fan of school and he much preferred the times when school was closed. In his teenage years, amongst other things, he developed an interest in outdoor sports such as fishing and hunting with his dog Bonnie around the rivers and fields here in Glenavy and Crumlin.
Glenavy crash victims Mikey Brown and Layla Douglas
“He became a member for a time at the Townland Boxing Club just down the bottom of the road here where he made long lasting friendships.
“Mikey was a very mannerly young man, who was good at making friends, and very loyal and supportive of them. He loved his sisters, Lily, Becky, and Helen and was very close to his nieces and nephews. Indeed we hope that they would share his affection for animals, and he gave them presents of puppies and pets.
“Mikey wasn’t a saint, at least not yet. He was strong willed, and it may often would have seemed to be his way or no way. As a young man with an independent outlook, his values were sometimes challenged by others, and occasionally he challenged their values too. And like many a young fellow, he appreciated motors and the convenience that they offer.”
A death notice described him as the dearly beloved son of Michael and Theresa; loved brother of Lilly, Becky, Helen and the late Luke Martin; loving uncle to two nephews and two nieces and a special nephew to his aunts and uncles.
Meanwhile, Layla Douglas’ funeral will leave from McCusker Bros Funeral Home, 10a Garden Street, Magherafelt on Saturday to Kilcronaghan Parish Church, 2 Wood Road, Tobermore for 10am service, followed by burial in Polepatrick Cemetery, Magherafelt.
Viewing in McCusker Bros Funeral Home on Friday, November 28 from 3pm to 8pm.
Appealing for information following the crash, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Enquiries are continuing, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 1121 22/11/25.”
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