Last Post sounds as road victim is buried
A YOUNG man – one of two killed in a road accident in Ballina, Co. Mayo on Monday – was on the cusp of what would have been a fine career with the British army, mourners were told at his funeral yesterday.
Jack O’Hora, 21, from Castleconnor, Co. Sligo, was a model soldier and a top marksman, according to his commanding officer in the 1st Battalion Irish Guards.
In a packed St Muredach’s Cathedral, the officer who had Mr O’Hora under his command on recent training tours of duty in the Falklands and Kenya described him as ‘an absolute pleasure to work with’ as well as being utterly dependable and a passionate sportsman.
A bearer party composed of the young soldier’s comrades carried his remains to and from the cathedral. Burial, with full pomp and military ceremony, took place later in Killanley Cemetery, west Sligo.
A guard of honour was provided by Mr O’Hora’s former teammates from the Castleconnor GAA Club in west Sligo and Ballina Rugby Club.
Throughout the funeral, there were scenes of intense grief.
Jack O’Hora’s heartbroken parents, Kieran and Caroline, sisters, Hannah and Scarlet, and brother Danny, occupied front pews along with other relatives.
In his homily, Fr Liam Reilly, the chief celebrant, said a dark cloud had descended on the Ballina community since the tragic deaths on Monday night. He pointed out that Jack had been a young man ‘heading towards the prime of life with the world at his feet’.
Fr Reilly went on to say that since the tragedy, he had heard nothing but kind words uttered about Jack.
‘He touched so many lives in so many positive ways,’ the curate continued.
‘There will be a Jack-shaped vacancy in all your lives from now on,’ the priest continued.
Fr Reilly concluded his homily by impressing on younger mourners what he described as the ‘haunting fragility’ of life. ‘Cherish life,’ he urged mourners. ‘It is God’s gift to you all. Cherish your family every single day. Be careful. You owe it to the memory of your wonderful friend, Jack O’Hora.’
John Smyth, speaking on behalf of the O’Horas, said Jack’s death had not only been a family loss but the young people of Ballina had also lost a dear, dear friend.
At the graveyard in Killanley, a bugler from the Irish Guards sounded the Last Post as the remains were laid in their last resting place.
Ricky Langdon will be laid to rest today in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina, following Requiem Mass at 12.30pm in St Patrick’s Church.
A third male injured in Monday night’s crash at Killala Road, Ballina, is continuing to recover at Mayo University Hospital.
‘Haunting fragility of life’