Heartache as ophelia victim is laid to rest
A VICTIM of Hurricane Ophelia was described as a “good man and gentle soul” at his funeral yesterday.
Tragic Michael Pyke,31, was laid to rest in Ardfinnan, Co Tipperary, three days after he was killed by a tree branch.
Hundreds of mourners gathered in heavy rain at the Church of the Holy Family to say farewell and show support to his father Tony, brothers and sisters and beloved partner Nollaig Hennessy.
The service heard the electrician, who had almost finished his apprenticeship having previously worked as a blocklayer, was the “white-haired boy” in the eyes of his mother Moira who died 11 years ago.
Michael suffered fatal head injuries when he was struck by a branch while clearing timber from the road between his native Ardfinnan and Cahir before lunchtime on Monday.
Fr Bobby Power told how the death was a shocking event that had devastated the victim’s family and friends.
Prayers were also said at the Mass for Clare O’neill and Fintan Goss who died during the storm in Waterford and Louth.
Michael’s sister Linda paid tribute on behalf of the family, adding: “You were the best son, brother, uncle, friend and boyfriend to Nollaig.
“Michael you will always be in our hearts and you will never, ever be forgotten. Sleep well Michael, until we meet again some day.”
His niece Sophie thanked him for being a great uncle and “such an incredible person”.
The mourners included some of the victim’s friends from Limerick IT, where he was training on his apprenticeship while also working in Dublin, and the college president Prof Vincent Cunnane.
Michael’s father Tony, brothers David, Philip and Anthony, and sisters Tina, Sharon, Claire, Lisa, Linda, Sarah, and Valerie walked with the coffin as it made the journey to St Finnian’s Cemetery.