The funeral mass of a young Laois teenager who passed away unexpectedly has heard how she was a ‘ray of light’ for all who knew her.
The late Emily of Boley, Abbeyleix, died in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on Sunday, January 5 following a short battle with meningitis.
Emily, who was just 16-years-old, was a Transition Year student in Scoil Chriost Ri in Portlaoise.
At her funeral mass in Portlaoise this afternoon, Monsignor John Byrne said that everyone had gathered, ‘united in grief and sorrow’.
He said: “We’re gathered here in a sense of shock and with heavy hearts, united in love and sorrow, as we remember and honor the life of Emily, a 16-year-old ray of light whose time was far too brief.
“Our thoughts and prayers rest especially with her loving parents, Sean and Bernie, and her brother Sam, her granny Pat, her uncles and aunts, her cousins, her classmates, the school community of Scoil Chriost Ri, and all who are grieving here this day.
“Words can barely express the depths of grief that is felt in this church right now.
“Emily was full of promise and hope, someone who cherished life.
“It’s difficult to grasp that her bright spirit is no longer physically among us. Meningitis came on so suddenly, unexpectedly.
“Our hearts break at the thought that one so young, so radiant, so talented has been taken from us. Her gentle smile and caring nature were gifts to each person she encountered.”
Monsignor Byrne explained how Emily loved to sing and dance – how excited she was to take part in upcoming musicals with Scoil Chriost Ri and Portlaoise CBS.
He said: “In a very short time, she had become a bright spark, a radiant light in Scoil Chriost Ri, using her beautiful voice and acting talent to light up the rehearsals for the upcoming musicals Mamma Mia and Greece.
“She was loving it. Emily lived. ‘I have a dream, a song to sing’, a song that speaks of hope and carrying on through life’s trials.
“To Sean, Bernie, and Sam, and all the family, no words of mine can lessen your heartbreak. But know that your love shaped her life and will forever shine in your memories.
“I think it’s natural for us to wonder, what would have been in store for Emily was she not taken so early in life?
“Would she go on to develop her singing and acting and perhaps become famous one day? With her caring nature, she would have been a great mother.
“With her talent and personality, the future looked so bright. But it would be an injustice to her to just think about what might have been without acknowledging what was. What she was and what she achieved in her short life.
“She was a wonderful blessing to her parents and her brother, to her granny, and to her aunts and uncles, and her cousins, and to Scoil Chriost Ri.
“Emily, we say thank you for the music. And while we grieve, we also thank God for your life and the blessing you were to so many.”
Emily’s uncle Declan spoke at the end of the mass and thanked everyone who had helped the family over the last week.
He said: “I’ve been asked by Sean, Bernie and Sam to express our thanks to all in attendance today, all who came to in attendance last night at Emily’s reposal.
“We have such huge appreciation and sincere thanks to everybody who has been in touch with us, supported us personally, online, personally and online.
“Your comforting words, condolences, messages of support and kind gestures are of immense importance to us.
“Thank you to Monsignor John Byrne and the priests of the parish of Portlaoise, Fr David Vard, the school chaplain, who have guided, assisted us in this very special celebration ceremony for Emily.
“Thank you to David and Matthew (Keegan) for your professional approach and assistance and to our singer and organist, Heather Fogarty, for the wonderful music.
To the staff and pupils of school, Emily’s amazing friends, we have found comfort in your accompaniment and the wonderful memories we all share.
“Thank you for standing by us, for showing compassion and for celebrating the life of a remarkable young person who meant so much to us all.
“It is never easy when you put somebody so precious into the hands of other people.
“The staff of Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise and Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and I’ve been asked especially to mention Dr. James, Nurse Theresa, Miguel and Michelle.
“Your kindness, professionalism and compassion gave us comfort and the dignity and respect shown to Emily will stay with us forever.
“Your dedication reminds us of the humanity and care that define your work. We acknowledge those who couldn’t join us, mindful that we are also in your hearts and minds. And so I finish by thanking our relatives, friends, neighbours and colleagues.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your overwhelming support and presence. Thank you.”
Following Emily’s mass, cremation will follow immediately afterwards in Newlands Cross Crematorium.
May Emily Rest in Peace.
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