Family in tribute after ‘unbelievable loss’
THE family of murder victim Jimmy Loughlin (20) say words cannot described their loss.
In a tribute to their son the Loughlin family said: “We as a family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to you all for the outpouring of love and support to us since the tragic and heartbreaking death of our son, brother and grandson Jimmy.
“Words cannot even begin to express the pain and unbelievable loss we feel as a family. He was a very special son, our only son and touched the hearts of everyone that met him and knew him.
“Jimmy will be sorely missed by all of his family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and his very dear friends and lovely girlfriend,” said a statement issued to The Sligo Champion.
Jimmy was laid to rest in Ballintogher-- last Wednesday.
He is survived by his parents, Michael and Paula along with sisters, Grace and Rose and Kitty.
The family thanked Bishop Francis Duffy and local clergy, in particular, parish priest Fr Vincent Connaughton “who has given us great comfort at this difficult time and has shown such love and kindness.
“We would also like to thank everyone in the parish that helped in the church to make it such a wonderful service for Jimmy,” said the statement.
A tribute was also paid to the funeral Mass singers, Niamh Clancy and Caroline Burns along with Michael Rooney for the music and Ann Kerrigan for the beautiful flowers which decorated the church.
Work colleagues of Jimmy’s at McDonald’s were also thanked and those groups who formed guards of honour including Coola Post Primary School, IT Sligo, Ballygawley Celtic, Castle Dargan Hotel, and McTiernan’s Daybreak.
An Garda Siochana and the emergency services were also praised for their assistance along with “all of our lovely neighbours who supported us with such kindness.
It is a comfort to us that out of terrible tragedy comes hope and humanity. We will be forever grateful.”
Meanwhile, a man charged with Jimmy’s murder will appear at a sitting of Roscommon District Court today (Tuesday).
Richard McLoughlin (31) was due to appear at a sitting of Harristown District Court last Friday but it had been cancelled due to the inclement weather sweeping the country.