A young man who tragically passed away in Greece last week has been described as “a bubbly, good humoured person, who simply made others feel special”.
Mourners gathered in St Tighearnach’s Church, Cullohill, this afternoon for the requiem mass of Rory Deegan (22), who was found unresponsive in a swimming pool by friends on Sunday week last.
Rory is a member of the well-known Deegan family who run Deegan’s Centra in Urlingford.
The family are also prominent members of The Harps GAA club and Rory played in the Junior C final win over Park-Ratheniska-Timahoe last year, scoring a goal.
Rory’s sister, Rachel spoke as friends and family brought symbols of Rory’s life to the altar.
Some of Rory’s friends presented his symbols of sport and shared friendship, including his Cullohill National school jersey, his Cullohill handball jersey, the last Harps jersey he wore, his first hurl, a phone and an airline ticket, a Limerick jersey from his time in LIT, and his Centra uniform.
His little brother Jack brought a picture of Rory’s beloved dog, Spud – who he called “his Queen.” Brother, Barry, brought a pair of Nike runners that Rory designed himself.
Conor, Rory’s big brother, brought a Liverpool jersey and scarf as a reminder of their special time together as brothers on their trips to Anfield.
Fr Bobby Fletcher, cousin of Rory, celebrated the mass. He said parting with Rory is a shattering experience for his parents Joe and Diane.
Fr Fletcher quoted the author, Graham Green: “They were consumed by his presence and are devastated by his absence.”
“Rory was a great son, a great brother, a great character, and now is a great loss,” Fr Fletcher said.
“Over the past few days, countless memories of Rory – sporting and otherwise – have been recalled; chief among them is the memory of a young man a fabulous smile. A big happy head. The ultimate sign of someone who loved deeply and was deeply loved.”
Rory’s brothers, Conor and Barry paid a touching tribute to their sibling, with Conor reciting the Liverpool FC anthem, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ before Barry sang Christy Moore’s ‘Ride On.’
Rory’s dad Joe spoke on behalf of the family express their thanks and gratitude to all the people involved in helping and supporting since the tragedy.
Joe then paid tribute to Rory, highlighting his son’s many great qualities.
“When we heard the awful news of Rory’s passing, we were shattered in an instant. It is really hard to comprehend that we will never hear that beautiful laugh or see that beautiful smile again.
“I will miss those intimate fist-bumps. We will miss those turn-of-phrases that only he could deliver.
“Life is a gift. Go and live your best life. Use every talent that you have been given. But remember, life is fragile. Never take it for granted. Look after it and treasure it.
“We as a family feel terribly cheated that Rory was taken from us so soon. But we are very grateful that he was part of our lives.”
SEE ALSO – The Harps pay heartfelt tribute following the sad and tragic passing of Rory Deegan in Greece
