Jack O’Hora touched so many lives
COMMUNITY IN SHOCK AT DEATH OF YOUNG MAN IN PRIME OF HIS LIFE
THE West Sligo community of Castleconnor was reminded of “the haunting fragility of life” at the funeral of young soldier Jack O’Hora (21) last Friday.
Jack was home on leave from the British army when he was killed in a car crash on the Killala Road, Ballina last Tuesday night (13th November).
The driver of the car, Ricky Langdon (28) also died from his injuries and a third victim Declan Ferguson (29) was critically injured.
Jack was laid to rest with full military honours in Killanley Cemetery after emotional scenes of grief during his funeral service at St Muredach’s Cathedral on Friday morning. A bearer party composed of the young soldier’s comrades carried his remains into and out of the cathedral. His former teammates from the Castleconnor GAA Club in west Sligo and Ballina Rugby Club provided a Guard of Honour.
Mourners were told he was a model soldier and top marksman on the cusp of what would have been a fine career with the British Army.
An officer from the 1st Battalion Irish Guards who served with Jack on recent training tours of duty in The Falklands and Kenya described him as “an absolute pleasure to work with” as well as being utterly dependable and a passionate sportsman.
Chief celebrant Fr Liam Reilly said the victim had been a young man “heading towards the prime of life with the world at his feet”.
“He touched so many lives in so many positive ways,” he said, ending his homily by impressing on younger mourners what he described as the “haunting fragility” of life.
At the graveyard in Killanley, a bugler from the Irish Guards sounded the Last Post as the remains of the young man were laid in their final resting place.
Jack is survived by his heartbroken parents Kieran and Caroline, sisters, Hannah and Scarlet, and brother Danny.
He played with Castleconner GAA club, before moving abroad to serve in the British army in 2016. Castleconnor GAA Club said on Facebook: “Today our parish and club woke up to the tragic news about Jack. We extend our sympathy to his parents Kieran & Caroline, his siblings Hannah, Scarlet & Danny.”
Castleconnor Amateur Dramatic Society said: “We in the drama group would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and many friends of Jack O’Hora...Our entire community is heartbroken, and it is hard to find the right words to express our sadness.”
Castleconnor Racquetball Club also extended its “sincere sympathies to the O’Hora family on the tragic passing of Jack”.
Gardaí are seeking witnesses who may have been in Kilmoremoy between 10.20pm and 11.15pm, or those who may have dash-cam footage, to contact Ballina Garda station on 096 20560 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.