Community ‘shocked and numb’ says 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 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.

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.

He asked the mourners to take a minute to pray for Winnie and the Alexander family and their family in Chicago.