HEARTBROKEN pals of a teenage boy who tragically drowned last week told how the 17-year-old "would always stay smiling" in a poignant tribute as he was laid to rest today. Peter Byrne, 17, was swimming in the River Barrow in Co Carlow with two pals, also aged in their teens, last Tuesday when he got into difficulty and went under the water. Peter, who had just finished Transition Year in the local CBS secondary school, and his pals were at a local gym earlier in the evening before they decided to go swimming in the Milford area. It is understood a friend saw him get into difficulty and rushed to try and help him. The alarm was raised at 6:30pm on Tuesday and emergency services commenced a search for the teenager before it was stood down a number of hours later after the discovery of a body. Peter was remembered as the "beloved son" of Antoinette and Stephen, step-son of Dermot, "much-loved" brother of Margeret, Kellie-Anna, Erin, Scott and his twin brother Quintan. Mourners, including school children wearing t-shirts with a picture of Peter's face, lined the pews of the packed Cathedral as the young teenager's funeral began at The Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow shortly after 10am this morning. Peter's school friends from St Mary's Academy CBS in Carlow Town today told his funeral mass that the memories they made with their pal "will last with me forever". One described the youngster as "genuinely hilarious". He said: "I don't believe that today should be a day of sadness, as Peter never really showed off being upset to anyone. If anything, he'd be angry and then smile 20 seconds later. "The amount of memories I have of Peter couldn't be written down with all the ink in the world. As for the bad, it could be written down as good, because they were all laughed over seconds later or sorted with a game of FIFA. "In the CBS, for the time he was in it, it had to be the funniest moments of my life. I have a lot of love for you, brother, till we meet again." Another pal described Peter as his "best friend" and "brother". He said: "Losing you feels like I lost a part of myself. I will cherish every memory we have together. "Your beautiful smile could enlighten anybody's day. No matter what mood you were in, you would always stay smiling. Our memories will last a lifetime. "Our games of pool and Brennan's turned into our own competition.You would never let me get the better of you. "When I first moved to CBS, you made me feel welcome and showed me around." 'CARED FOR EVERYBODY' Sharing some of his favourite memories, Peter's friend told how they will "last with me forever". He added: "Goodbye for now, but not forever until we meet again, my brother." Peter's uncle Bert told how the youngster "loved to mess and dance", play football and "was so proud to put on the jersey for his football team New Oak FC. The 17-year-old also cared greatly about his style and appearance, with Peter's uncle telling how he was "non-stop brushing his hair and teeth". Bert told mourners: "Even when power washing for nanny or helping Dermot in the garage, he would be wearing his best on clothes or Montirex tracksuits. "Before leaving the house every day, he would regularly shout, 'hey Ma, hey Dermot, have you got €2 for the bus?' - knowing full well it was probably for a can of Monster. "He would often text Nanny for a few bob for a four in one with satay sauce, which was his favourite. "He cared for everybody, his mam, his dad, his nanny, his grandad, Dermot, his brothers Scott and Quintan, his sisters Kellie-Anna, Erin and Mag, his nephew, his niece, his aunts and uncles and his cousins. 'LOVE WILL NEVER FADE' "But especially for his twin, Quinny. "Even when they were newborns, they would only settle when placed next to each other in their incubators. They shared a special bond like no other. "Peter would often appear in everyone's houses like a gust of wind and be gone again in a flash but never empty handed. He'd normally leave with a drink or something to eat. "We all loved you so much Peter and that love will never fade." Bert also extended thanks to Peter's friends and family for their kindness and generosity during this period of mourning. He gave a special mention to Mark Carpenter and the emergency services for all they did on the day of the tragic incident, adding "it means more to us than anyone will ever know". Bert added: "If love could have saved you Peter, you would have lived forever". Pals brought gifts that represented Peter's life to the altar before the mass started today. The items included a pool cue, representing the teenagers love of pool, his "man bag" and his football jersey, depicting Peter's dedication to his local soccer club New Oak FC, which he played for. Peter's family has asked that any donations, if desired, go to Irish Water Safety.