A 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL who died when a car driven by a teenage boy crashed in to a wall was described as the “superstar” and “priceless diamond” of her family at her requiem mass.

Kimberly O’Connor died when a car she was a passenger went out of control in Knocknaheeny on the northside of Cork city on 19 February.

Two teenage boys also suffered serious injuries in the crash. The car was bought for as little as €200.

Kimberly, who did voluntary work with the Hope Foundation in India just last month, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A large crowd attended Kimberly’s requiem mass at St Mary’s on the Hill Church in Knocknaheeny, which featured tributes from her mother, Jennifer, and her older sisters, Shannon and Britney.

“My heart is completely broken and I will never be the same until I am with you again, Kimberly,” her mother, Jennifer, said in a statement read out by her daughter, Shannon.

You made me the proudest mother with all that you have done in your life – the beautiful singing you had used to make my hairs stand up. You had such a beautiful singing voice – you were a belter.

“You had such a beautiful personality and a kind heart – you were and always will be my superstar.”

‘I will love you forever’

Tragically Kimberly’s father Mark, died when she was just five years old. In a statement, her mother said she soothes by the thought that Kimberly was with her father.

“It is a comfort knowing that you are with your Daddy, Mark. Now you are together and you will be his beautiful angel and mind you until I get there,” she said.

I am going to miss everything about you – the pain of losing you is unbelievable.

“Your name and your memories will be spoken of in my house everyday.”

In her own personal tribute, Shannon said Kimberly was the star of her family.

“Our precious Kimberly – we always cherish what a beautiful, special diamond that you are.”

“From the time you could walk and talk, you were our drama queen – singing and dancing all day everyday.”

“There is nothing you wouldn’t do for anyone – you were the apple of my mother’s eye.”

“There won’t be a day goes by that we won’t say (your) name and talk about your memories – sleep tight baby doll, I will love you forever.”

Britney said the only arguments she ever had with Kimberly were over the sisters taking each other’s clothes.

“When Kimberly came back from a trip to work as a charity volunteer in India last month, she told Britney she didn’t bring her a present – but her older sister was welcome to use the clothes she had purchased from multiple high street outlets in India.

“My beautiful baby sister got her angel wings and went to heaven,” she said.

You didn’t deserve this – you were the most kind-hearted girl. You cared about everyone. You always made the whole world smile.

“Sleep tight our superstar – we will love and miss you forever.”

Kimberly was a Transition Year student at Terence McSwiney Community College. Her classmates provided a guard of honour at the mass.

Parish priest Fr Greg Howard told mourners that the area was deeply saddened by the loss of Kimberly.

Offertory gifts included a school painting, a make-up kit, a Hope Foundation charity T-shirt, a school jumper as well as a microphone and music book.

Prayers were offered at the mass for the for speedy recovery of those injured in the crash.

Kimberly is survived by her mother Jennifer, her sisters, Shannon and Britney, her brother, Cody, Jennifer’s partner, Ken, as well as family and friends.

A GoFundMe campaign to assist the family in relation to funeral costs has raised €18,000.