Death of Carrickmines fire victims 'unbelievable and heartbreaking', funeral hears
It was a sombre day in Wexford today as the funerals of the Carrickmines victims took place at the Church of The Assumption on Bride Street.
Hundreds of mourners turned up to pay their respects to the family of Thomas and Syliva Connors who were laid to rest today along with their three children Jim, aged five, Christy, aged two and Mary, aged just five months.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny was in attendance at the ceremony.
The Taoiseach and Ministers walk behind the cortège of the Connors family in Wexford #Carrickmines pic.twitter.com/puFJKa1Y1F
— Fergal O'Brien (@FergalOBrien_) October 23, 2015
The coffins of Thomas and Sylvia were carried to their final resting place by two horse-drawn carriages.
Tom Connors, aged four, the only surviving member of the family unit, was supported by friends and family.
The Mass was said by Fr Aodhan Marken, who called the loss of the family “unbearable”.
"When someone dies who has reached a great age, we say that they have taken a great portion of history with them," he said.
"But when young people die they take away the future, their dreams, their vision and their potential; that’s what makes this pain, this reality so devastating today, so unbelievable and heartbreaking.
"The Travelling community and indeed many in our country are still gifted with the grace of faith, and today that is what we need so much, the gift of faith.
"That faith which has been tested to the limit these past dark days and yet we turn to God and ask him to embrace this family of Thomas, Sylvia, Jim, Christy and Baby Mary and give them a home where they will be together forever and where one day we too shall see them face to face and enjoy their friendship."
"As we pray for them we especially pray for their sons and brothers Michael and Tom, who are in the loving care of their family, there is no doubt that the memories of their Mam and Dad, brothers and sister will be kept alive by all those who love them and take care of them."
On The 12.30 on @TV3Ireland I'm in Wexford for a prayer service for the Connors family #Carrickmines pic.twitter.com/JOKQTMbLRv
— Fergal O'Brien (@FergalOBrien_) October 23, 2015
A message from Pope Francis was read out during the Mass, and Bishop Denis Brennan commended the strong family bonds he had experienced within the Travelling community.
The five other victims of the Carrickmines fire were laid to rest in Bray, Co Wicklow last Wednesday.
Their names were Tara Gilbert, aged 27, Willy lynch, aged 25, their two children Jodie, aged nine and Kelsey, aged four. Jimmy Lynch, aged 39, also died in the blaze.
