FAREWELL TO BOBBY
MURDER VICTIM BOBBY MESSETT IS LAID TO REST IN KILMACANOGUE
THE WICKLOW COMMUNITY came together last Friday morning to say a final farewell to the late Bobby Messett. Bobby (50) was killed when a gunman opened fire at Bray Boxing Club the previous Tuesday morning. ‘The whole nation of Ireland has learned about the tragic death of an innocent man,’ Fr Dan Nguyen told mourners at St Mochanóg’s church.
BOBBY Messett was ‘loved by everyone around him’ his son Gary told the congregation at his funeral Mass last Friday morning at St Mochanog’s church in Kilmacanogue.
The church was packed to capacity, with many more people standing outside, as the community came together to bid farewell to Bobby, who was tragically killed during a shooting at Bray Boxing Club the previous Tuesday.
‘He packed more into his 50 years than a man who would live to be 100,’ said Gary. ‘He was so passionate about everything he did and he was a family man, most importantly.
‘Although we are all devastated that he was taken so cruelly, and way too soon, it gives us some comfort to know he is reunited with his ma and da,’ he said.
‘Sport played a huge part of his life. It’s where he made most of his closest friends,’ said Gary.
‘My Da never sat still for a minute. He loved to keep busy and he did just that. He’s left a huge void in our lives that will never be filled again.’
Guards of honour from Glencormac United, Bray Wheelers and Pluck’s Golf Society helped Bobby’s family shoulder their heavy burden, taking turns to carry him towards the church, and lining the route as they took him to the adjoining cemetery to be laid to rest alongside his parents.
The song ‘Tell Me Again’ by the Coronas played as mourners arrived at the small church, lyrics including ‘tell me again, how much you make my year. My beautiful friend, you’ve nothing to fear.’
Fr Dan Nguyen welcomed Bobby’s children, Gary, Bobby Jnr, Demi-Leigh, and their mother Jackie, his partner Natalie and her son Alex, and all of his family members, to what he said was a celebration of Bobby’s life.
Symbols were brought to the altar representing Bobby’s life. A Glencormac United jersey bearing the number 5; a photograph of his children, one of his three granddaughters, boxing gloves, a Liverpool crest, golf clubs, his cycling helmet, and finally, a bottle of rum ‘to send him on his way’.
Fr Dan told the congregation that Bobby was a kind man. He struck up a friendship with the priest following the passing of Bobby’s mother Delores in February. During those snowy times, he ensured that Fr Dan had enough logs for his fire.
‘Now I’m full of logs for the next winter as well!’ Fr Dan told those present.
‘We gather here in St Mochanog’s church in a shocking state,’ said Fr Dan. ‘The news of last Tuesday morning brought devastating shock to Bobby’s family, friends and local community. The whole nation of Ireland has learned about the tragic death of an innocent man.
‘An overwhelming sense of sympathy and compassion has been felt for his family. Whatever we say right now I think is inadequate to express our sadness, our sorrow for his family,’ he said. ‘Even though we are all shocked and saddened at what has happened to Bobby, our gathering this morning is to celebrate his life, love, friendship and kindness.
‘He was well known for his love of family, love of life, and passion for many sports - cycling, boxing, his love of nature - pigeons and many other things. He was kind, warm, friendly, gentle and hard-working. He was highly respected and very well thought of.
‘Bobby’s life has been cut short,’ said Fr Dan. ‘Life is so precious, a gift from God. He died before his time. He has died too tragically and suddenly, too soon. But his tragedy has allowed us to see the remarkable impact which Bobby has made on those in his life. He inspired many young people and touched many lives.’
Fr Dan invited members of the congregation to briefly sum Bobby up. ‘Legend’ came a voice from the body of the church, as well as ‘amazing person’, followed by ‘perfect in every way’. As Mass drew to a close, the priest invited mourners to join in a round of applause in honour of Bobby.
Emily Carroll sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as the lifelong Liverpool fan was carried to the cemetery following funeral Mass.
“My Da never sat still for a minute. He loved to keep busy and he did just that. He’s left a huge void that will never be filled”