Funeral of late Garda recalled at same church
In just over eighteen months, the church of St. Oliver Plunkett in Blackrock was for the second time, the scene of a tragic funeral, where a community and a country mourned the loss of a hero who lost his life in the line of duty.
The death of Garda Tony Golden, who was murdered in Omeath in October 2015 was recalled at the funeral of Captain Mark Duffy.
Parish Priest, Fr. Padraig Keenan welcomed mourners to the church on Thursday last, saying: ‘ In the early hours of Tuesday 14 March, a dark cloud descended over the island of Ireland following the tragic accident of R116. None more so was that darkness felt than within the families and communities of the four crew members.’
He added: ‘ As we share this liturgy in remembering Captain Mark Duffy, we keep in our thoughts and prayers, the late Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, and those who are missing: Winchman Ciarán Smith and Paul Ormsby. We bring to mind their family members who are present with us and their colleagues in the Irish Coast Guard.’
‘By our presence together, we are in solidarity in prayer with you Hermione, Esmé, Fionn and your wider family circle at this time. May God hold each of you in the palm of his hand.
By your presence with us today, President Higgins, I welcome you once again to this church, bringing to mind the Funeral of the late Garda Tony Golden on your last occasion.’
Meanwhile, the work which Captain Duffy had done to promote organ donor awareness, and transporting sick children to hospital in London for transplant was remembered in the Seanad last week.
Senator Keith Swanick said during Senate debates last week: ‘ The dignity with which Captain Mark Duffy, from Rescue 116, was borne ashore on Sunday last is something that will stay with me forever. He gave his life so that others might live. Along with his colleagues, he was a hero and somebody to hold up as a role model to our children. Heroes do not arrive out of nowhere. They are the embodiment of their family and often their communities. Captain Mark Duffy will be laid to rest tomorrow in his home village of Blackrock in County Louth. It is striking that his funeral notice reads: ‘ Mark’s wish would be for you to carry an organ donor card.’
It is very fitting that this notice by the Duffy family comes just at the start of Organ Donor Awareness Week that has been organised by the Irish Kidney Association.
He added: ‘Approximately 700 people in Ireland await life-saving heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas transplants. Thanks to the gift of organ donation over 3,000 people in Ireland enjoy an extended life. Just like the thousands rescued by the Irish Coast Guard, they too have been rescued and given a new lease of life.’