Bernard Kirwan was very well respected throughout Enniscorthy
PEOPLE throughout Enniscorthy gathered together in St Aidan’s Cathedral on Tuesday, March 10, for the funeral of Bernard ‘Bunny’ Kirwan, 33 Sean Browne Court.
One of the most respected members of his community Bernard went missing in the early hours of Sunday, February 16,
His remains were later recovered from the river Slaney following a search that lasted almost three weeks.
Born and reared in Enniscorthy he lived in the town all his life and was very active in his local community.
Educated in St Aidan’s primary school and ‘ the tech’ secondary school he developed a passionate interest in soccer from an early age.
It was an interest that would stay with him his entire life and he was involved in the sport at all levels locally from playing to coaching and mentoring.
Although he never went to see his favourite team, Liverpool FC, play he did travel over to the city on a couple of occasions and enjoyed the experience.
Bernard was also a keen lover of darts and loved to play a game in Donohoe’s Pub - although he wasn’t renowned for winning many games and was instead beaten moreoften-than-not.
On March 24, he and his beloved wife, Mary, would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
Friendly and down-to-earth, Bernard was the type of person who would help anyone.
Speaking to this newspaper his wife, Mary said Bernard was the type of person who would do anyone a favour and help anybody if he could.
‘He would help anyone out in any situation if he was able to,’ said Mary.
His passion for soccer was something that was acknowledged during his Requiem Mass when a Liverpool jersey was brought up the church as symbol of his life.
A flat cap was also brought up the church as such items were a fashion accessory he was particularly fond of and well known for wearing.
The high regard in which Bernard was held within the community was underlined by the support his family received since he first went missing and that support is something they are very appreciative of.
They are also very appreciative of the efforts made by members of Slaney Search & Rescue and other emergency service organisations who helped in the search.
Following the Requiem mass Bernard’s remains were laid to rest in Enniscorthy Cemetery.
He is survived by his mother, Maureen, his wife, Mary, his children, Mark, Stephen, Avril, Áine and Ben, brothers, Mark and Jim-Bob, sisters, Helen, Breda and Joanne, grandchildren, Hannah, Callum and Sadie, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and very large circle of friends.
Bernard was predeceased by his sister, Mary, and father, Markie.
His month’s mind mass, which will be live-streamed on the internet, will be offered in St Aidan’s Cathedral at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 4.