SADNESS AT DEATH OF OISÍN AFTER BRAVE CANCER BATTLE
OBITUARY
THE funeral of two-year-old Oisín Linehan took place last Thursday afternoon in the Holy Rosary Church in Greystones.
Oisín had been diagnosed with cancer last November, and passed away peacefully at home in Greystones on Sunday, August 2, in the loving arms of his parents Barry and Mairead.
Fr John Daly said that while we will never know why somebody’s life is taken at a tender young age, as compared to someone who lives a long life, the gift of that life is no less reduced or its meaning diminished by the number of days or months or years that we have.
‘Each one of us, all we can do in our day, in our moment, is to bring the gift of life and share that gift with others. Because none of us know how long our lives will last.’
Oisín’s dad Barry welcomed everyone who was there with them in person at the church, and also observing on the webcam. ‘ To those who were unable to attend today, we know from your messages that you are with us in spirit,’ he said.
‘Although we are so incredibly heartbroken to lose Oisín, Mairead and I are so very fortunate to have had him in our lives for the past two years,’ said Barry.
‘He was so full of joy and fun. Even during his darkest days of chemo, a day where we wouldn’t get a smile or a laugh from him was a very rare one. He was so resilient and strong right up until the very end.’
Barry said that Oisín’s heart was his most beautiful feature. ‘He was so incredibly loving and kind and once he formed a connection with you he loved to show his affection.’
While people have told Barry and Mairead that they were great for getting Oisín through his treatment, it was the little boy who got his parents through it.
‘ There were so many ups and downs along Oisín’s journey but as long as we were able to hold him in our arms, lying against our chest, we were re-charged and knew that everything in that moment was okay,’ said Barry. ‘Mairead and I will hold him like that in our hearts for the rest of our lives.’
He said that their support of Oisín through his illness was only possible because of an army of people who supported them.
‘Family, friends old and new, neighbours and colleagues have rallied around and shown amazing generosity of spirit and kindness,’ said Barry.
‘We have been blown away by the amount of love and support since last November and especially over the last few days.’
Barry said that they are so grateful for the amazing care that their son received from the moment he was diagnosed, from the staff in Temple Street, Crumlin, Laura Lynn, and support from Greystones Cancer Support.
‘Words cannot express the gratitude we feel towards our family and friends for all their support and love over the past nine months. We simply couldn’t have kept it together without you all,’ said Barry.
Barry said that Mairead had an immeasurable influence on enabling Oisín to develop into the beautiful little boy that he became.
‘Your sole mission was to do the absolute best thing possible for our little man,’ he said. ‘You nursed and cared for him selflessly, always putting his needs before your own. The love you poured at him every minute of his life knows no equal. You have been a constant unwavering support and constant inspiration in the best times and in the hardest times.’
Finally, Barry said that he and Mairead wished to thank their beautiful little boy. ‘You have given us so much,’ he said.
‘From the moment you came into the world on that summer night in May, you cracked open our hearts and filled them with so much love and such immense joy.
‘You taught us to be patient to live in the moment and to appreciate the simple joys in life. You showed us strength and resilience in your short two years that someone 40 times your age would be proud of. Most of all you showed us how to love with every cell in our body. To love and be loved by you will forever be our most precious gift.’
Barry said that they will miss the simple things, ‘ like kissing your little warm bald head while you fell asleep in our arms. The feel of your little soft hands in ours, your radiant smile and infectious laugh and every other little thing about you.
‘Although it seems difficult to see past the heavy dark cloud we feel at the moment we hope that rather than our lives being torn apart by your passing we can in time be inspired by your manner of living and loving.’
Oisín is survived by his grandparents Pat and Marian Navin of Mayo and John and Eileen Linehan of Cork as well as his great grandmother Vera, his aunts, uncles, cousins, all of his relatives, neighbours and friends.
Approximately 130 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer every year in Ireland.
Thankfully many of these children survive this disease but together with their families, they walk a long and gruelling path nonetheless.
A fund has been created in Oisín’s name to help families with cancer through a few key charities.
To make a donation, go to ‘ The Oisin Linehan Fund’ at gofundme.com.