Mourners attend Margaret Hassan memorial service
More than 1,000 mourners attended a memorial service for murdered hostage Margaret Hassan in Co Kerry today.
The ecumenical ceremony took place in Kenmare, the birthplace of Mrs Hassan’s mother Mary, and where her sister Geraldine lives with her family.
Irish-born Mrs Hassan was abducted on October 19 on her way to work at the aid agency Care International in Baghdad, but a video released yesterday by her kidnappers appears to show her murder.
Tributes to Mrs Hassan’s tireless charity work have been paid by the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, President Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Opposition leaders.
Parish Priest Fr Tom Crean told this morning’s Holy Cross Church congregation in Kenmare that Mrs Hassan’s death “pierces to the marrow of all our beings“.
Since her abduction, locals have lit candles in the church every day and she was prayed for at every ceremony.
Fr Crean paid tribute to Mrs Hassan’s sister Geraldine and her family for their dignity in dealing with the tragedy.
He told mourners: “This cold-blooded murder should not leave people without hope in their lives“.
Pupils attended the service from local secondary school Pobal Scoil Inbhear Sceine – where Geraldine’s husband, Gerry is a teacher.
Students from three other primary schools were also present.
It is understood that neither Geraldine nor her family attended the service, but were staying with relatives in London.
Fr Crean said afterwards: “Our hearts just cry in pain with Margaret’s family. All our thoughts and prayers are with them as they come to terms with this unspeakable loss.
“We’re together in prayer in our vigil with the family.”
Fr Crean said he now prayed for the safe return of Mrs Hassan’s body so that “we can fully honour and celebrate her life”.
Her sister’s home in Kenmare was a favourite holiday stopover for Mrs Hassan and her husband Tahseen Ali.
Mrs Hassan’s mother was originally from Reen, Kenmare but now lives in England.
Briatin's Department of Foreign Affairs says its records do not show that Mrs Hassan ever held an Irish passport, although as an Irish citizen she was entitled to one.
