Waynewasatalentedfootballer
A deep cloud of sadness fell upon family, friends and the many people who knew Wayne Moran during his all too short life that unexpectedly ended on 2 February, 2018, less than two months after his 28th birthday.
Wayne was reduced to but a pale shadow of his former stature through an illness which he was utterly incapable of coping with over his final years.
Being at the scene, as a teenager, of a tragedy that resulted in the deaths of two young family members, had a truly traumatic affect on him. He never spoke of it but was never the same afterwards.
The death of his mother Madeline also marked a further deterioration in Wayne.
But for family and those nearest to him he will be remembered as a happy-go-lucky lad and talented young footballer, with the sweetest of left feet, and for a beaming smile that would brighten up the darkest of days and cheer the most downhearted.
Unfortunately, the cards he was dealt overwhelmed Wayne as much as family, friends and so many others tried to help and support him over what was a harrowing final downhill journey.
This resulted in Wayne spending virtually his last couple of months in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. A week after his stay there he passed away.
A native of Ashling Park, he held the distinction of being one of the last babies born in the Louth County Hospital.
He was raised in Ashling Park, which remained home throughout his short life.
He received his education in the local Redeemer Boys School and then Ó Fíaich College. He later attended The House in Cox’s Demesne, developing vocational skills like metal and wood work and other life skills.
His talent shone through soccer, a life-long passion as an avid supporter of Dundalk FC and as a fan of Manchester United.
Even when his health seriously deteriorated he would make his way to Oriel Park, and one of the happiest days of his life was being at the cup final in Dalymount Park in 2002 when Dundalk beat Bohemians.
His skill was evident as he played right up the age ranks with Redeemer until his early 20s. He captained the club to a prestigious success in an under-age tournament in Paris which attracted teams from all over Europe.
He was also a fine Gaelic footballer, lining out with Clan na Gael.
Wayne adorned his bedroom with pictures of his footballing heroes, as the sport was the one real love of his life.
He never recovered from the tragic deaths of his sister Marion and nephew, Brandon in April 2005, and then the passing of his mother, Madeline ten years later in 2015.
He is sadly missed by his father, Derek (Decko); brothers, Gary and Derek; sisters, Erin and Tamika; along with brother-in-law, Greg Shannon; sister-in-law, Lauren; uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.
He reposed at the residence of his brother Gary in Park Drive, before his removal on the Wednesday to the Church of the Holy Family, via Ashling Park.
Father Sean McGuigan CC celebrated Requiem Mass.
The readings were given by nephew, Greg, cousin, Padraig and best friend, Kyle Gartland.
Nieces, Aoibheann and Marion brought up symbols of his life, which included the trophy he won as captain of the victorious Redeemer team in Paris and a Manchester United jersey.
Sister Tamika read a short poem about Wayne, while the music was provided by organist, Olivia Finnegan and singer, Lisa McGuinness. Burial followed in Saint Patrick’s cemetery, Dowdallshill