Declan Garry’s late wife, Majella, was very much at the heart of his funeral Mass in Bearna on Tuesday.

Fr Michael Brennan said that, despite the tragedy that has hit the family again, his children and brother wanted to celebrate his life.

“We are aware of the deep pain that Declan must have carried within, and our earnest prayer is that he can rest in peace,” Fr Michael said.

“We are well aware of the heartbreak that has come to Declan’s family since his death and yet, having talked to the family, his children want to honour their father in this Mass through word and song. We are very mindful of Declan’s beloved wife, Majella. I’m sure they will both be very present with family as we pray together.

“His family had great pride in Declan, and the life he lived. Saoirse brought up a picture of her father, and she lit a baptismal candle and placed it beside the coffin. It seems rather odd to have a baptismal candle lit at a time of a funeral, but in some way, it’s a reminder to us – we don’t just think of recent times, but try to honour a life lived by a man. We honour beginnings as much as endings.  

“In Beaumont, his parents, Maura and Pat, brought a wee child to the church to be Christened. That small act that happened, the candle was lit from the pascal candle – the candle of hope – the five markings on the candle represent five thorns of Good Friday. Somehow, through that pain and suffering there can be some hope, a way of seeing in the darkness. That is reflective of how the family want to celebrate the Mass today. So, in remembering Declan, so important to pray that he finds deep peace within.”

His sister-in-law, Tracy, narrated the presentation of gifts brought to the altar by Declan’s children and brother, Conor.

Saoirse presented a photo of their beloved mum, Majella, the love of Declan’s life.

Caoimhe, who brought up a pair of Declan’s socks, which had a special significance, described her dad as a man who truly loved family and friends.

“He was a master of his craft, the way he could visualise things, design a shop, and how, in his head, he could calculate things – I admired him for that,” she said.

“You’re all here for different reasons, whether you are his daughter, his son, brother, cousin, in-law, friend, acquaintance or stranger – in some way he impacted your life, and he yours… but most of all, he was the best dad.”  

Oisin brought up his dad’s measuring tape to symbolise his creativity and vision, even if he didn’t always get the numbers right.

“We are who we are, thanks to dad, and I’m pretty proud of us,” he said.

“He was working non-stop to improve himself for our benefit. Not a day went by that he didn’t tell us he loved us.

“You could never tell the full story of what was going on in his head. I’d ask one thing, learn to open up to the important people in your life, and learn to tell the full story about what’s going on in your head. Don’t be afraid to reach out, you’ll always find someone.”

Conor presented a bottle of red wine, to mark the times they sat up late talking about the past, the family, and all the good things that they have experienced.

“Declan is with Majella now, and mum and dad,” he said.

“Give him a big hug, squeeze him tight. Tell him I love him, and I’m going to miss him. Thanks mum and dad for giving me the strength to get through these last few days.”

10 March 2018:

Funeral details for the late Declan Garry, Na Forthai Maola West, Barna, and formally of Dublin.

Requiem Mass will take place on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Church of Mary Immaculate Queen, Barna, followed by a Committal Service at 4 p.m. at Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, Dublin.

Declan, who was pre-deceased by his wife, Majella in 2009, is survived by their children, Saoirse, Oisín, and Caoimhe; brother, Conor; and other close family and friends.

Family flowers only, by request.

Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.