Heartache at funeral for mum, dad and sons
Cortege leaves Cushinstown Church MOURNERS huddled in the icy cold yesterday to pay their final respects to an Irish-american family killed in a horrific car crash.
The coffins of Lily Ryan-alexander husband Doug, both 75, and their sons Doug Jnr, 52, and 49-year-old Stephen, were carried into a small rural church just yards from where they died.
They were killed instantly when their hire car was in collision with a lorry in New Ross, Wexford, last Monday.
Fr Sean Devereux told the Cushinstown Church congregation “the realisation of the immensity of the tragedy has begun to sink in”.
The family had jetted in from the US hours before the crash for
Lily’s sister Winnie Keevey’s funeral in New Ross.
Last night, all four remains were due to be flown home to Chicago following the parents’ cremation in Dublin.
A male soloist sang Remember Me and Advent candles glowed on the altar as Fr Devereux described a family devoted to each other. He said: “Doug and Lily lived the American dream. They went to the US to build a life for themselves.
“But they also enjoyed life moments and your memories tell of a couple who shared what they had with others.”
Doug Jnr was a musician with the popular Chicago band Network. Fr Devereux said: “He had traits of both his parents.
“He enjoyed life and was hard working. He brought joy to others through music and a generous spirit.” Stephen was a highlyrespected police officer and his colleagues travelled to pay their respects.
The priest said: “He served his community and helped to make dreams come through service provided to the Special Olympics.
“He gave hope to so many young athletes as he encouraged them to achieve their dream.”
The service, which was streamed online, was co-celebrated by Bishop Denis Brennan and Church of Ireland Canon Arthur Minon. Relations of Doug Snr from Co Tyrone and Lily’s family in Co Limerick thanked the people of New Ross for their support.
Fr Devereux: “People did whatever had to be done to make the lives of those grieving a little easier.
“Home baking, cars provided and beds offered.
“A real sense that community living is not dead but alive and well in the hearts of the people.”
CO WEXFORD YESTERDAY
Gardai with Stephen’s former Chicago police colleagues from the US
Doug & Lily lived the American dream after building a life there
FR SEAN DEVEREUX