Community ‘shocked and numb’ – priest
‘WE ARE SHOCKED and numb as a community,’ Fr Seán Kavanagh told the congregation at St Mary’s Church in Cushinstown on Tuesday, reflecting on the tragedy that had occurred 1km down the road at Begerin Hill the previous night when four members of the Alexander family were killed in a terrible accident.
There was hardly a human sound among the visibly stunned mourners at the funeral of Winifred (Winnie) Keevey (née Ryan), where a moving tribute was paid to her by her daughter Noreen. In remembering the strength and fun loving ways of Winnie, Fr Kavanagh said: ‘We are also hugely conscious as we gather this afternoon of the terrible tragedy that occurred just up the road from the church. We remember the Alexander family of Lily, Douglas Snr, Douglas Jnr and Steven. We think of their family back in Chicago who have had to receive this terrible news as well.’
He said the community must stand together in a show of support, caring, love and neighbourliness with the Keevey family as they come to terms with ‘the needless tragedy’ that has been brought upon them. ‘We pray that you will receive comfort through the neighbourliness and good friends you have in this community.’
Fr Kavanagh asked the congregation to take a moment to remember the first responders. ‘Those brave and courageous people who did what they could. These people who are always going quietly about their work caring for you at the most difficult and trying of times. We thank God for their great committment and courage to the community and pray God will protect them with his caring hand.’
He reflected on the huge contribution Winnie made within the Cushinstown community from when she moved to the area in the 1960s into a house that had no electricity or running water. Both she and Lily hailed from Limerick and family members travelled to attend the Mass.
Both Fr Kavanagh and Noreen recalled Winnie’s caring nature. She was the reason the family home was ‘home’ to
all the Keevey’s. Her Christmas puddings were always sought after this time of year and despite being ill she made her usual batch last September for her children and grandchildren to enjoy this Christmas.
Fr Kavanagh said she passed on her great qualities to her children. ‘I felt even during the wake in the midst of everything that was happening, how as a family you welcomed everyone with a cup of tea. There was no panic and no chaos; there was simply getting on with it.’
He asked the mourners to take a minute to pray for Winnie and the Alexander family and their family in Chicago.
On Tuesday afternoon – shortly after the funeral Mass – Bishop of Ferns Dr Denis Brennan issued a statement on the tragedy, joining in solidarity with the many people throughout the diocese – and beyond – in extending his sympathy to the family of Lily Ryan-Alexander and her husband Doug, their sons Doug and Steven Alexander who died on their way to Cushinstown Church.
Sympathies are also extended on the occasion of the passing of Mrs Alexander’s sister, Winnie Keevey, from Lacken, New Ross, whose funeral the Alexander family were intending to join in prayer that fateful evening.
Bishop Brennan said that ‘thoughts, prayers and feelings of sadness and compassion are with those in Illinois, Limerick and Wexford – and the many other places affected – at this time. It’s a story both of the strength of family and its enduring ties and it’s a story of the deep loss a family is now asked to endure as they come to terms with such immense tragedy.’