Stephen(21) had a huge heart and a kind nature
THE tragic loss of Stephen Byrne of Court, Monamolin, on Thursday, June 23, in a road traffic collision, left all who loved him heartbroken.
Stephen was born on May 16, 1995, to Lily and John Byrne.
He attended Monamolin National School and graduated from Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge with honours where he made many friends. He also maintained his friendships from national school.
He went on to complete a year in Waterford Institute of Technology in engineering and then began working in Clearstream Technologies and Irish Country Meats, up to the time of his passing.
Stephen was heavily involved in sports throughout his life, taking part in hurling from a young age and was part of Buffers Alley teams that won seven county titles, two Nicky Rackard titles and a Leinster title in this time. In 2006 Stephen also had the privilege of playing in Croke Park which he was extremely proud of.
Stephen had also over the last couple of years taken part in playing soccer with Boolavogue United and also had a keen interest in Mixed Martial Arts. He was training to become competitive in the sport.
He loved tinkering around with machinery, be it cars, motorbikes or lawnmowers. If it could be taken apart, Stephen would take it apart, as he loved to see how things worked.
He enjoyed listening to music, especially dance music and enjoyed a trip to Ibiza last year to see some of the world’s top dance DJs.
Stephen celebrated his 21st birthday this year with his cousins, family, and friends, and he had a wonderful time, dancing many nights away.
Stephen’s family and friends would describe him first and foremost as a person with a huge heart, with a kind and caring nature. He would always lend a hand or a hug to anyone that needed it.
Stephen had a jovial nature and children were drawn to him, He loved playing about with his young cousin Liam whether it be playing hide and seek, chase, or doing acrobatics on the trampoline with him. He took joy from making children laugh which is a further testament to his kind nature. His warm welcoming smile and open nature made him a friend to all.
Stephen was a person his parents John and Lily and brother Damien are extremely proud to call their son and brother. They relied on him and he was always there to offer his support to them. He was loved and cared deeply for by his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends and Stephen returned this love threefold. The space Stephen has left in his family’s and friend’s hearts cannot and never will be filled.
Stephen will be sadly and dearly missed by all who had the privilege to meet him and know him.
His parents and family would like to thank the Gardaí, the ambulance service, Caredoc, Wexford and Waterford Hospital, Floods Undertakers, Ben Corrigan of The Book Cafe, Paul Dunne of Dunne’s Menswear, CJ O’Loughlin Foods, Buffers Alley GAA Grounds and the friends that helped serve at the reception, Ann Parle, people who brought food, mass cards, sympathy cards, and beautiful flowers to the funeral, staff and pupils of Monamolin National School, Buffers Alley GAA club and Boolavogue United club for the lovely guards of honour and with a special thank you to Fr James Murphy who also celebrated Stephen’s christening, communion and confirmation, Fr Thomas Ore and Fr Francis Murphy.
They would also like to thank their neighbours and friends for the tremendous support and help through this heartbreaking time. Your kindness will not be forgotten.
Stephen’s Month’s Mind Mass takes place in St Moling’s Church, Monamolin, on Saturday, July 23, at 6 p.m.