‘ Back in the arms of his loved ones’
THE father of murdered Rachel Callaly was re membered as a ki nd and generous man as he was laid to rest yesterday.
Hundreds of people attended the funeral Mass for Jim Callaly in North Dublin almost a week after the 83- yearold died suddenly at his home.
Mourners at the Church of the Holy Child in Whitehall heard priest and family friend Fr Joe Jones say Mr Callaly had now been reunited with his tragic daughters.
Rachel, who was 30, was murdered by her husband Joe O’reilly 2004 while Jim and wife Rose’s other daughter Ann died in 2010 at the age of 31 from cancer.
Fr Jones said: “It is a comfort to know Jim is resting in the arms of Rachel and Ann today and all those gone before us.
“He is with those he loved and who loved him very much too.”
Rose and Mr Callaly ’s son Declan Callaly told the mourners that he and his siblings have nothing but fond memories of a fantastic childhood – with weekends away camping and holidays.
He said: “Although most of dad’s l i f e was f ul l o f h a p p i n e s s , t h e r e w a s great sadness
when Rachel was taken from us nearly 20 years ago, but dad never gave up his voice for justice for Rachel – and he prevailed.
“We lost Ann six years l ater and through his faith and the support of family and friends, he kept going.”
Declan’s brother Paul al so paid tribute to his dad who he said was a caring and genuine man.
He added: “Life hadn’t been easy for dad since Rachel and Ann passed, but he still loved life.”
Fr Jones told the mass the murder of Rachel at her family home in Naul, North Dublin, not only destroyed her life but also the entire family’s.
He said he had known Mr Callaly for many ye a r s a nd t hat h e was a gentleman.
He added: “When Jim became your friend you had a friend for life. He was a real family man in the truest sense of the expression.
“He worked and lived for his wife and family – family was his world. He was one of the most selfless people I’ve ever known. Every choice that Jim made in l i f e , h e made i t whil e thinking of his family.”
Mr Callaly was later laid to rest at Fingal Cemeter y i n North Dublin where Rachel and Ann are also
buried.