FIVE TOLD TO LEAVE CHURCH SERVICE FOR MAN RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL BY PROTEST GROUP
A NUMBER of people were asked to leave a church during the funeral of a man who died from COVID-19 because they were not wearing masks.
Joe McCarron (67) died from the virus and was buried on Sunday following his funeral mass at St Crona’s Church in Dungloe, Co Donegal.
However, at least five people were asked to leave the church because they were not wearing face masks in line with Government guidelines.
At least two of the five people were members of the so-called Common Law Movement.
Signs
All five sat together in a row on the same seat despite signs asking people to stay two metres apart.
One witness said the mourners were asked to leave by a parish assistant.
The woman initially approached the men with a box of face masks but they declined to take the masks.
The witness revealed: “They were all sitting together while everyone else was sitting apart... I knew two of them to see because of recent media ed on this day.”
“The best gift, the only gift, we can give to Joe McCarron today is our prayers.”
“The person who will miss Joe most of all is his wife Una,” said Fr Gallagher.
“We offer our prayers and sympathy to Una who today is widowed and brokenhearted.”
Mr McCarron, born in 1954, was a former radio DJ who was well known in Dungloe. More recently, he was a carer to his wife of 38 years, Una. coverage and from social media.
They were definite members of that anti-vaccine protest group.
“They were offered masks as none of them were wearing any.
However, they declined and left without any fuss.
“They were not outside the church when the funeral was over and I certainly didn’t see them at the graveside when Joe was buried.”
Mr McCarron, who is survived by his wife Una, made international headlines last week when A special welcome was given he was encouraged to leave to Joe’s friends at the Mass, Letterkenny University especially those in the AA Hospital by anti-vaccine fellowship. protestors. “He was a very long time in
He left the hospital on Tuesday the AA fraternity, and some are last week after protestors here today to remember Joe and claimed he was being forced to honour his memory,” Fr go into the intensive care unit. Gallagher said.
He left but was rushed back Gardai have also appointed a into hospital last Thursday sufsenior investigating officer to fering from serious breathing oversee an investigation into difficulties. recent incidents at Letterkenny He diesd on Friday. University Hospital.
His funeral Mass heard of the Gardai have confirmed they fragility of life, and of the attended the church after a heartache and loss suffered by report was made to them, sayhis family and friends. ing: “Gardaí attended and
Father Eddie Gallagher told provided advice to those premourners: “This is a very sad sent. No offences disclosed. day, and we think of the Enquiries ongoing.” bereaved who are brokenheart
Memory