Young man who died following Navan assault laid to rest

The funeral of Mantas Jurkevicius in Kingscourt this morning (Friday) heard he had given the "gift of life" to four people through organ donation.

"Mantas was generous in life and equally generous in death. Through organ donation he has given hope, life and a second chance to people on the transplant list. Through Mantas their lives have been changed and altered forever," Fr Gerry McCormack PP told mourners,.

"As a result of his donation he has has brought life, light and love to four individuals and their families. He has given the incredible gift of life."

Describing the 18 year old who died on Wednesday of last week following an assault on 21st June, Fr McCormack said he was "friendly helpful polite, kind, respectful, warm engaging, enthusiastic well mannered and talented."

"What talent he had - speaking a number of languages, he was a wonderful footballer, self taught on the guitar, good at tennis, loved camping and fishing..

"But it was his dancing that captured him and captivated his audiences. He was a passionate and talented ballroom dancer. We have all seen his majestic command of the dance floor in his black tails. He was absolutely flawless."

Addressing his parents, Fr McCormack said; "We have to acknowledge what you Marius and Renata did for your son, the example of truly wonderful caring parents who gave your son both roots and wings."

Mantas, had been the victim of an assault in Navan over three weeks ago and died in Beaumont Hospital on Wednesday last week.

Mantas of Thorndale Close, Kingscourt worked in Tesco in Navan and was a student in TU Dublin. He had grown up in Ashbourne where he had been a student of De Lacy College and was known as a talented dancer and played soccer for Killegland FC.

His family later moved to Kingscourt where he had been a pupil of Colaiste Dun An Ri.

He is survived by his parents, Renata and Marius, his sister Austêja, his relatives and friends.

The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Francis Deane said the community was shocked and saddened by his death and offered his condolences to his family. “It is a very sad time, the community is in shock.”

Cllr Clifford Kelly of Kingscourt said he had been saddened to learn of Mantas’ death. “The community was shocked to learn of his death. We are stunned at the loss of a young man in the prime of his life. His family are decent people living in the area and my sympathy goes out to them at this tragic time.”

Messages of condolences have been pouring in. A former colleague in Tesco said: “Our beautiful Mantas rest easy, it was a pleasure working with you. Thinking of your family and friends, may you dance with the angels in paradise. Forever young.”

A neighbour said: “We will miss his lovely smile and friendly manner on his regular walks with his dog around the estate.

Another mourner said: “My memories of Mantas will be his smile, his kindness towards others and him always having a minute to stop and say hello as we passed each other on the school corridors. He was an amazing young man and will be sadly missed.”

One of his former coaches said: “It was a pleasure coaching young Mantas in Killegland FC many years ago. He was always so bright, energetic, enthusiastic and courageous on the pitch. Off the pitch I'll always remember the most gentle and well mannered boy who offered us a hand shake after each training session and match.”

Gardaí continue to investigate the assault that occurred at a business premises on Watergate Street, Navan on Sunday 21st June 2026 at approximately 1.15 am.

“An adult male in his late teens suffered serious injuries during the incident and was conveyed to Drogheda Hospital and subsequently Beaumont Hospital for treatment. He was pronounced deceased on Wednesday 15th July 2026,” said a spokesperson.

Arturas Mauruca (36), with an address at Clonmagadden, Navan was charged with assault causing harm at The Watergate Bar and Kitchen, Watergate Street Navan on 21st June last.

Conditions of bail include notification of change of address to the Gardai, not to contact any witnesses by any means, surrender his passport and not to apply for travel documents and sign on at a Garda station three times a week.